Requirements For Using ‘Open In Explorer’ In Sharepoint
The “Open in Explorer” feature in SharePoint allows users to access SharePoint document libraries directly in Windows Explorer for convenient file management. When enabled and configured properly, “Open in Explorer” opens a synchronized view of the SharePoint library contents, enabling dragging and dropping of files, bulk uploads and downloads, and other file operations.
However, certain requirements must be met for “Open in Explorer” to function correctly in SharePoint. This includes browser support, appropriate permissions configuration, and specific settings at the SharePoint library level.
Requirements for the “Open in Explorer” Feature
Browser Support
To utilize the “Open in Explorer” functionality, users require a compatible web browser. “Open In Explorer” utilizes WebDAV protocol extensions to create a two-way, synchronized connection between the SharePoint library and Windows Explorer. This requires support for the Microsoft Web Folders WebDAV extension.
The latest versions of most major browsers support WebDAV and “Open in Explorer”, including Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. Legacy browsers may lack support, so updating to a modern browser is recommended.
Permissions Configuration
“Open in Explorer” requires certain SharePoint permissions to be granted to a user for proper functionality. At minimum, users need Read permissions to the document library in order to view its contents in Explorer. To enable full drag-and-drop interactions, Create and Edit permissions should also be assigned.
If users receive “Access Denied” errors when attempting to use “Open In Explorer”, verify their permission levels at the library or site level. Grant broader Read/Write access as needed to resolve permission issues.
Library Settings
In addition to user-level permissions, the SharePoint library must have its settings properly configured to allow Explorer interactions:
- The library needs to allow management of content types and custom columns. Under Library Settings > General Settings, “Allow management of content types” and “Add from existing site content types” should be enabled.
- “Require documents to be checked out before they can be edited?” under Versioning Settings must be set to No to allow drag and drop document edits in Explorer.
- Under Search, offline client availability should be set to “Yes” to enable Explorer caching and offline access to synced files.
With compatible browser, appropriate permissions, and properly configured libraries, SharePoint users meeting these requirements can utilize “Open In Explorer” capabilities.
Troubleshooting Issues with “Open in Explorer”
If “Open in Explorer” fails to work properly despite fulfilling the feature’s base requirements, troubleshoot with these commonly encountered issues:
Checking Browser Compatibility
Validate that your web browser fully supports WebDAV by attempting to map a network drive in Windows Explorer to a WebDAV share online. If this succeeds, WebDAV is enabled in your browser.
If drive mapping fails, upgrade to a Windows WebDAV-compatible browser like Edge or Chrome for “Open in Explorer” functionality.
Validating User Permissions
Use the SharePoint permission checker to validate your assigned permission level for the document library. Read access should allow read-only Explorer access. Add Create/Edit permissions if upload or sync fails due to access denied errors.
If permission trouble persists, try granting full control access temporarily to test if another component is blocking functionality.
Verifying Document Library Settings
Double check that Allow Content Type Management, Offline Client Availability, and other library settings are enabled correctly to support Open in Explorer as highlighted in the requirements section.
Create a test document library with default settings to isolate configuration issues impacting WebDAV/Explorer connectivity.
Testing in Private Browsing Mode
Some browsers block WebDAV in normal mode due to pop-up restrictions but allow it in a private session. Attempt to open your SharePoint library in Explorer while in a private/incognito window as a connectivity test.
If Open in Explorer then succeeds, adjust browser pop-up and security restrictions to resolve the issue.
Alternative Methods to Access SharePoint Files
If “Open in Explorer” fails to meet your document access needs, SharePoint offers additional methods to interact with libraries outside of a browser:
Syncing Libraries with OneDrive Desktop App
SharePoint document libraries can sync directly with the OneDrive desktop application for Windows and Mac operating systems. This creates a local, offline-accessible copy of SharePoint files which automatically stay in sync.
The OneDrive approach can provide greater reliability versus WebDAV. It also enables easier sharing of synced files across devices logged into the same OneDrive account.
Using SharePoint Mobile Apps
The official SharePoint mobile apps for iOS and Android allow browsing, searching, and accessing library files directly from phones or tablets. This allows quick document lookups without WebDAV or full library syncs.
Mobile access limits more complex uploads or organization but offers portability for simple library interactions.
Downloading Files Individually
At a basic level, individual files can also be downloaded directly from any SharePoint library using the browser interface. While lacking bulk or drag-and-drop support, one-off downloads offer a lightweight way to retrieve files.
The “Send To” menu also enables emailing or sharing documents individually to other users or apps.
Summary
Utilizing “Open in Explorer” for streamlined Windows file access introduces specific functional requirements:
- WebDAV support through a compatible, modern browser
- Appropriately configured read/write permissions
- Enabled content type management and offline settings
If connectivity issues occur, troubleshoot browser WebDAV support, validate user permissions thoroughly, and verify optimal library configurations.
As alternative access options, consider the native OneDrive app for automatic library syncs, mobile apps for on-the-go document lookups, or individual file downloads and transfers.
