How to Move Your SharePoint Folder to Your Desktop (Step-by-Step Guide)

Accessing your SharePoint files directly on your desktop can streamline your workflow, especially when you want quick access without opening your browser. Follow these up-to-date steps to sync or move your SharePoint folder to your desktop.

Step 1: Access Your SharePoint Site

- Open your preferred web browser.
- Go to your SharePoint site by entering the URL or via your Microsoft 365 portal.
- Navigate to the document library or folder you want to move.

 

Step 2: Sync the SharePoint Folder with OneDrive

Microsoft recommends syncing SharePoint files to your desktop using the OneDrive sync client rather than manually downloading files for ongoing sync and updates.

How to Sync:

1. In the SharePoint document library, locate the folder or document library you want on your desktop.
2. Click the **Sync** button at the top of the page. This button usually has a cloud icon with a sync symbol.
3. A prompt will ask if you want to open OneDrive — confirm this.
  
  - If you don’t have OneDrive installed, you’ll be prompted to download and install it.
4. OneDrive will then begin syncing this SharePoint folder to your desktop.

Step 3: Locate the Synced Folder on Your Desktop

Once synced:

- Open **File Explorer** (Windows) or **Finder** (Mac).
- You’ll find a new folder named after your organization's SharePoint or the document library name under your OneDrive folder. It often appears as:

 ```C:\Users\<YourUsername>\OneDrive - <OrganizationName>\```

- The synced folder is now available here and will automatically update with any changes you or others make.

Step 4: (Optional) Create a Desktop Shortcut

For easier access:

1. Navigate to the synced folder inside your OneDrive folder.
2. Right-click the folder and select **Send to > Desktop (create shortcut)** (Windows) or **Make Alias** on Mac.
3. Now, the folder shortcut on your desktop will open the synced SharePoint folder directly.

Step 5: Work with Your Files Locally

- Open, edit, or create files in this synced folder.
- Edits will automatically sync back to SharePoint via OneDrive.
- Files are available offline and upload changes when you're next online.

Additional Tips

- **Always keep your OneDrive client updated** for the best syncing experience.
- If you no longer want to sync the folder, open OneDrive settings and stop syncing that specific SharePoint folder.
- Avoid copying or moving files manually from SharePoint via the browser if you need ongoing sync and updates; use the sync feature instead to keep files current.