Sync a SharePoint Library with File Explorer
This article describes how to sync the files in your Microsoft 365 or Microsoft SharePoint site libraries so they’re always available on your computer, even when you’re offline.
Step 1: Turn on Files On-Demand in OneDrive
Files on-demand downloads files from the cloud to your computer as you access them. This will minimize the impact of syncing a library on your computer's storage.
1. In the Windows icon tray (bottom-right corner of desktop), select the blue OneDrive cloud icon.
2. Select OneDrive Help and Settings icon > Settings.
3. Select Settings > Save space and download files as you use them.
Note: If you’re on Windows 10, your computer already has the OneDrive desktop app on it, but you'll need to turn on Files On-Demand in OneDrive settings.
Step 2: Set up Sync for your library
1. In your browser, on your SharePoint site, navigate to the library of files you want to sync with.
2. Select Sync in the toolbar.
Note: If your browser asks for permission to use OneDrive, confirm that it's OK.
3. Sign in to OneDrive to start syncing your files and finish OneDrive setup.
After the Sync: Work with your files in your file system
- Once synced, your SharePoint files appear in File Explorer under the name of your organization (or in Mac Finder, if you're using a Mac).
- Each location will appear in a separate subfolder.
- Copy or move files from your computer to SharePoint right from your file system.
- To check the status of your files, add an account, or manage other sync settings, select the blue OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area.
Work with files in Files On-Demand
After Files On-Demand is turned on, you’ll see new status icons next to each of your SharePoint files. You can copy or move files from your computer to SharePoint right from your file system.
Save space on your device by making files online-only. These files are only available when you're connected to the Internet, but don't take up space on your computer.
When you open an online-only file, it downloads to your device and becomes locally available. You can open a locally available file at anytime even without Internet access.
To make a file always available, even when you're offline:
- Right-click it and select Always keep on this device.
To change a file back to an online-only file:
- Right-click it and select Free up space.
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