Unable to access SharePoint synced files in file explorer

bathula anjeswara rao Admin (HCL) 0 Reputation points
2026-08-31T10:06:15.81+00:00

Unable to access SharePoint synced files in file explorer

Microsoft 365 and Office | SharePoint | For business | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-31T10:06:33.0833333+00:00

    For SharePoint files in File Explorer, the recommended approach is Sync or Add shortcut to My files, not View in File Explorer/Open with Explorer.

    Try this path:

    1. Open the SharePoint document library in a browser.
    2. Choose Sync to create a local folder on the PC, or use Add shortcut to My files if only folder access in OneDrive/File Explorer is needed.
    3. After setup, check File Explorer for the synced library or shortcut.

    If the files appear in File Explorer but cannot be opened or updated correctly, check these common causes:

    • A lock icon on synced files means they are synced read-only. This can happen if edit permission is missing, or the library requires checkout or required metadata. Changes made locally will not sync.
    • If the site name contains unsupported Windows folder characters such as :, the site cannot be synced.
    • Moving Office files between sites in File Explorer can cause version history to be lost. Use Move to or Copy to from the SharePoint site instead.

    If the issue is specifically with Open with Explorer / View in File Explorer:

    • It is only supported with Internet Explorer 11 and is not supported in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or the default Microsoft Edge browser on Windows 10.
    • Microsoft no longer recommends this method and recommends Sync instead because it is faster and more reliable.
    • If it must be used, add the SharePoint site URL and the related -files or -myfiles URL to Trusted Sites, then verify the WebClient service is running:
      • Open services.msc
      • Find WebClient
      • Confirm Status is Started

    If documents still do not open from SharePoint libraries, sync the library with the computer and work from the local synced folder in File Explorer.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Ana Le 2,345 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-31T10:23:14.7966667+00:00

    Hello,

    Since the SharePoint library already appears in File Explorer, I would not select Sync or Add shortcut to OneDrive again yet.

    Please first open the same library in SharePoint in a web browser and test one of the affected files:

    • If the file also cannot be opened online, please provide the exact error. The site owner or SharePoint administrator may need to verify your access to the file or library.
    • If the file opens online but not from File Explorer, the issue is more likely related to the local OneDrive sync connection.

    In that case, please check the following:

    1. Select the blue OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar and confirm that OneDrive is signed in with the same work or school account.
    2. Check whether OneDrive displays a sync error or warning.
    3. Quit OneDrive, reopen it from the Windows Start menu, and test the file again.
    4. Note the status icon shown next to the affected file in File Explorer, such as a blue cloud, green check mark, sync arrows, red X, or lock.

    A lock icon specifically means that the files are synchronized as read-only. This may be caused by the user’s permission level or by library settings such as required checkout or required columns. It does not by itself identify why a file cannot be opened.

    Could you also confirm:

    • The exact error shown when you open the file
    • Whether all files in the library are affected or only certain files
    • Whether the issue affects only this computer/user or multiple users

    Please provide the screenshot via Private Message at the top of the thread. Before sharing, mask any personal or sensitive information.

    Microsoft’s related troubleshooting guidance is available here: Fix SharePoint Online sync problems⁠.

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