Browser Compatibility Limitations For ‘Open In Explorer’ In Sharepoint

Overview of “Open in Explorer” Capability

The “Open in Explorer” feature in SharePoint allows users to access SharePoint libraries and folders directly in Windows File Explorer. This provides a seamless way for users to view, edit, upload, download, and manage files stored in SharePoint using the familiar Windows file system interface.

When the “Open in Explorer” option is selected in SharePoint, it utilizes WebDAV protocol behind the scenes to mount the SharePoint library as a mapped network drive in File Explorer. This mapped drive allows two-way sync between the file system and SharePoint, providing users native file management capabilities.

However, due to browser compatibility limitations, the “Open in Explorer” capability may not work consistently across all browsers and browser versions. There are specific issues users may encounter when attempting to use this feature with Internet Explorer, Legacy Edge, Firefox, Chrome or Safari.

Browser Compatibility Issues

Internet Explorer

Recent versions of SharePoint disable the “Open in Explorer” option by default when users access a SharePoint site using Internet Explorer. This is because Microsoft has dropped support for WebDAV protocol and network drive mapping functionalities in Internet Explorer.

If accessing SharePoint using Internet Explorer 11, users may still be able to enable “Open in Explorer” by enabling WebDAV requests in the site collection features. However, compatibility issues may still arise and this workaround is not officially supported by Microsoft.

Legacy Versions of Edge

In legacy versions of the Edge browser prior to Edge Chromium, issues were reported with the “Open in Explorer” feature. Sometimes the network drive would fail to mount in File Explorer after clicking the option in SharePoint when accessed using Legacy Edge.

These problems were likely tied to underlying browser compatibility and support for WebDAV protocol. Since the switch to Chromium in Edge, these issues seem to have been resolved.

Firefox

Firefox browser lacks native support for WebDAV protocol which is required for “Open In Explorer” capability. As a result, users will find the option is completely unavailable or grayed out when accessing a SharePoint site using Firefox.

Without WebDAV support, Firefox cannot mount SharePoint libraries as network drives to enable file management through File Explorer integration.

Chrome

Google Chrome also does not have built-in components to interact with WebDAV protocol. So users accessing SharePoint in Chrome will similarly find “Open in Explorer” option unavailable due to missing browser support.

Attempting to use bookmarks to map network drives does not work as workaround because native WebDAV functionality is still required for connectivity behind the scenes.

Safari

The “Open in Explorer” integration relies on Windows components and file system for drive mapping and user interface. Therefore, this capability is not designed to work properly in non-Windows environments.

As Apple Safari browser runs on macOS, users will notice inability to access “Open in Explorer” when browsing SharePoint sites using Safari. The option will not display for library views in Safari browser.

Workarounds

Although browser limitations prevent direct usage of “Open In Explorer” for SharePoint libraries, users have a few workaround options to obtain File Explorer-based access:

Open SharePoint Library in File Explorer

From any File Explorer window in Windows, users can manually map a network drive pointing directly to a SharePoint document library URL. This allows basic access without relying on WebDAV connectivity from browser.

To connect this way, users can go to File Explorer menu: This PC > Map Network Drive > Add URL path of SharePoint library > Finish. This will mount that library location as new drive.

Use Different Browser

Microsoft Edge Chromium and legacy IE 11 remain the most compatible options for leveraging “Open in Explorer” feature in SharePoint Online. Users experiencing issues in other browsers may have better success utilizing either Edge or IE11.

Use SharePoint Mobile App

Although indirect, opening documents or files from SharePoint library in mobile app will download locally from user’s synced network storage location. This allows basic access outside browser limitations.

Microsoft also offers dedicated mobile apps for SharePoint document libraries which have additional functionalities.

Microsoft’s Guidance and Support Statements

Microsoft has provided guidance around browser compatibility issues for “Open in Explorer” in various technical documentation:

• Recommends using IE11 or Edge Chromium for best experience
• Notes that capability relies fully on WebDAV connectivity
• Indicates feature not designed for non-Windows platforms like Safari
• Suggests workaround option of manually mapped drives in Windows

However, formal product support statements indicate this functionality is intentionally not supported in Firefox or Chrome due to missing native protocol capabilities required:

• Mozilla Firefox support pages state browser does not support WebDAV
• Chrome help pages list WebDAV and drive mapping as unsupported features

So users requiring this integration should not expect this capability to ever work directly in Firefox or Chrome based on current product support stances.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

Due tointrinsic browser dependencies, “Open in Explorer” has compatibility limitations across browsers like Firefox and Chrome on top of changes to support in IE and Edge.

• Legacy IE 11 or Edge Chromium provide most seamless experience
• Users can manually map drives to libraries as workaround
• Support statements indicate Firefox and Chrome unlikely to add WebDAV protocol
• Alternative mobile apps can provide basic document library access

Understanding these limitations can set proper user expectations when accessing SharePoint. For full file management capabilities through File Explorer, IE11 or Chromum Edge are best options. Manual mappings also enable basic document library functionality in Windows despite missing browser support.