Enabling ‘Open In Explorer’ In Sharepoint Libraries

What is the File Explorer View in SharePoint?

The File Explorer View in SharePoint allows users to open SharePoint document libraries directly in the Windows File Explorer interface for easy access and file management. This view provides a seamless way for users to work with files stored in SharePoint libraries similar to how they would manage regular folders and files stored in the Windows file system.

Some key capabilities offered by the File Explorer View in SharePoint libraries are:

• Browsing folder hierarchies and documents using the familiar Windows File Explorer interface
• Dragging and dropping files from the local file system into SharePoint libraries for quick uploads
• Opening, editing and saving files directly from the File Explorer window instead of through the SharePoint web interface
• Copying, moving, renaming files and folders between SharePoint libraries and local storage using File Explorer

Overall, the File Explorer View functionality aims to improve the content management experience for end-users by allowing them to leverage the simple and intuitive file tools in Windows Explorer while working with files stored in SharePoint document libraries in the cloud.

Why Enable File Explorer View?

There are several key benefits that enable the File Explorer View for SharePoint document libraries:

• Improved usability: Users can work with SharePoint files stored in the cloud using the familiar and easy-to-use Windows File Explorer interface instead of the SharePoint web UI. This improves productivity through intuitive, native file handling tools.
• Enhanced file management: Users can leverage Windows File Explorer capabilities like drag and drop uploads, direct editing of documents, moving/copying files to perform seamless file management on SharePoint contents.
• Faster file access: Opening libraries in File Explorer provides direct access to files for viewing and editing compared to downloading files first from SharePoint web UI.
• Consistent experience: Managing SharePoint files in Windows File Explorer provides a consistent, native-app like experience instead of context switching between web UI and Windows interface.

Additionally, enabling the File Explorer view requires only a quick and simple configuration change in SharePoint library settings. This allows organizations to activate the capability widely and allow users to access the benefits easily.

Requirements for Opening Libraries in Explorer

The following requirements must be met to enable the File Explorer View for SharePoint document libraries:

• SharePoint Version: SharePoint 2013 or a later release. File Explorer integration is not supported in older versions.
• Client Machine Software: Windows 7 or higher version OS must be running on the client machine from which File Explorer will be launched.
• Browser Support: Modern browsers like Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox that support HTML5 must be used. Explorer View is not enabled in old browsers.
• Other Apps: Machines with OneDrive Sync app can also potentially open SharePoint libraries in Explorer. Verify app compatibility if installed.

How to Enable Open in Explorer

Follow these simple 3 steps to activate the File Explorer View option for SharePoint document libraries:

Step 1: Verify Library Settings

The first step is to navigate to the library for which you want to enable the Explorer View. Once within the target library, click on the Library tab from the main SharePoint site ribbon and select Library Settings.

In the Library Settings page, scroll down and click on Advanced Settings. Under the Document Library settings section, verify that the option labeled “Open in Client Application” is set to Yes. If not enabled already, turn on this setting and click OK.

Step 2: Open Library in Explorer View

Once the advanced setting has been activated in the target library, return back to the main library view. To open the document library in Windows File Explorer, simply click on the Open in Explorer command under the Library tab in the ribbon.

A prompt will appear asking for confirmation to open the file location. Click on the Open button to launch the document library in a natively integrated File Explorer window.

Step 3: Use File Explorer to Manage Files

Once the library opens in File Explorer, users can start leveraging all the usual Windows file management capabilities to work with SharePoint documents seamlessly:

• Drag and drop documents from local file system into the SharePoint folder structure shown in Explorer. Uploaded files inherit permissions.
• Open any document stored in SharePoint directly from Explorer, edit locally and save changes back to update library versions.
• Rename, copy and move documents freely between SharePoint folders and local file system like regular Windows folders.
• See familiar UI elements like modified file stamps, sort options to manage document versions more easily.

Note that users can perform these file operations subject to their role-based permissions configured on the target SharePoint sites and libraries.

Troubleshooting Problems with File Explorer View

Using the information below, administrators can troubleshoot and resolve potential issues faced by users when trying to open SharePoint libraries in the Windows File Explorer view:

• Browser and SharePoint Compatibility: Ensure browser, SharePoint server versions meet the minimum software requirements for Explorer View support.
• Conflicts with OneDrive App: If OneDrive Sync app is enabled, check for conflicts with Explorer bindings and disable sync if required.
• Corrupted Browser Profile: Reset IE browser profile by deleting temporary files and cookies to fix corruption errors.

Additionally, admins can disable the Open in Explorer setting at the library-level if needed to troubleshoot problems. Users can provide screenshots of any specific error messages to help diagnose configuration issues enabling the integrated view.

Summary

The File Explorer View delivers seamless Windows file management capabilities for SharePoint libraries to improve productivity and user experience. With the Open in Explorer setting enabled through a simple 3-step library configuration change, users can work with library documents using familiar tools. Investing in this enhanced user experience is key for organizations to maximize adoption and effectiveness of the SharePoint content collaboration platform.