Tenant Migration

Fix SharePoint View in File Explorer Not Working After Tenant Migration

Kushani Nimanthika Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to use the View in File Explorer feature for SharePoint or OneDrive, or map network drives successfully, following a Microsoft tenant migration or Edge browser update.

Fix SharePoint View in File Explorer Not Working After Tenant Migration

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accessing and mapping SharePoint document libraries using Windows File Explorer after migrating to a new Microsoft tenant or updating Microsoft Edge.
Observed behavior: The View in File Explorer option fails, trusted-site errors appear, and mapped SharePoint drives become disconnected, unresponsive, or unreliable.

Before you start

Ensure you have active internet connectivity, your Microsoft 365 credentials are authenticated in your current Windows session, and you have administrative privileges to modify browser settings or Group Policies if necessary.

Solution 1Recommended

Transition to the OneDrive Sync Client

Microsoft's recommended long-term solution for accessing SharePoint files natively in Windows, avoiding the authentication issues associated with mapped drives.

Mapping SharePoint libraries as network drives is not recommended as a long-term solution because it relies on legacy browser authentication technology that can easily break during browser updates or tenant migrations.

Using the OneDrive sync app provides a more reliable, deeply integrated File Explorer experience without requiring legacy Internet Explorer modes.

Open your SharePoint library

Navigate to the modern SharePoint document library using Microsoft Edge or your preferred modern browser.

Initiate the sync process

Click the 'Sync' button located in the command bar at the top of the document library.

Confirm OneDrive prompts

If prompted by the browser, allow the site to open Microsoft OneDrive. Sign in with your migrated tenant credentials if required.

Access files in File Explorer

Open Windows File Explorer. You will now see a building icon with your organization's name in the left navigation pane containing your synced SharePoint files.

Files On-Demand: OneDrive uses Files On-Demand by default, meaning your synced SharePoint files will not take up local hard drive space until you open them.

Solution 2

Use Classic SharePoint Mode with Internet Explorer Mode

A temporary workaround to force the 'View in File Explorer' feature to work by simulating legacy browser conditions.

Solution 3

Verify Trusted Sites and Browser Compatibility

Ensures that your Windows Internet settings permit secure authentication to your new SharePoint tenant URLs.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Your Migrated Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

If you are dealing with Microsoft Office tenant migration issues or unreliable network drives, consider using WPS Office for a lightweight, seamless local document editing experience. It fully supports cloud-synced folders and helps you maintain productivity without relying on complex browser configurations.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
2. Open Synced Files: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and navigate to your OneDrive or synced SharePoint folder in File Explorer.
3. Edit and Save: Edit your documents natively. Changes will be automatically synced back to your tenant via the OneDrive sync client.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx) formatsLightweight desktop application that provides fast local file editingFamiliar user interface ensures a seamless transition and immediate onboardingBuilt-in PDF editing tools for comprehensive document management

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is mapping SharePoint as a network drive not recommended?

Mapping SharePoint as a network drive relies on legacy WebDAV technology and Internet Explorer-based authentication. This integration is prone to frequent disconnections, requires constant re-authentication, and breaks easily during modern browser updates. Microsoft strongly recommends using the OneDrive sync client instead.

How do I force Microsoft Edge to temporarily stop updating?

To prevent Edge from updating and breaking legacy workflows, IT administrators can use Windows Group Policy. By downloading the Edge Administrative Templates and navigating to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge Update, admins can configure the 'Update policy override' to pause updates while troubleshooting.

Does 'View in File Explorer' work in the modern SharePoint experience?

The 'View in File Explorer' option is being deprecated and is generally hidden or non-functional in the modern SharePoint experience by default. Users are encouraged to use the 'Sync' or 'Add shortcut to OneDrive' features to access files natively within Windows File Explorer.

Migration & Recovery