How to Map A Sharepoint Drive in Windows 10

SharePoint is a web-based collaborative platform that integrates with Microsoft Office. It helps companies to store, organize, and share information among teams. To make working with SharePoint more efficient, it’s essential to map a SharePoint drive in Windows 10. By mapping a SharePoint drive, users can access files and folders stored on a SharePoint site as if they were stored on their own local drive. In this blog post, we will discuss the different methods available to map a SharePoint drive on Windows 10, and what you need to focus on to ensure successful mapping.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we start, make sure you have the following requirements:

• A Windows 10 device and Internet connection.
• Permission to access the SharePoint site.
• The URL of the SharePoint site.

What Requires Your Focus?

There are a few things to focus on while mapping a SharePoint drive:

• Make sure you have proper permissions to access the SharePoint site and the desired folder or file.
• Ensure that the SharePoint site URL is correct.
• Choose the appropriate method for mapping the SharePoint drive, depending on your needs and preferences.
• Configure the SharePoint site to allow for mapping drives if necessary.

Different Methods to Map A SharePoint Drive

Method 1: Via Windows File Explorer

Mapping a SharePoint drive through Windows File Explorer is the most straightforward and common method. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Windows File Explorer.
2. Click on Computer/This PC from the left pane menu and select Map network drive from the toolbar at the top.
3. In the Map Network Drive window, select the drive letter you want to assign to the SharePoint drive, and in the Folder field, enter the URL of the SharePoint site. For example, enter http://sharepointsite/company/dept.
4. Select Connect using different credentials.
5. Enter your SharePoint account credentials, and click OK.
6. If the credentials were correct, you should now be able to see the SharePoint site folders and files in Windows File Explorer under the mapped drive letter.

Pros:

• Easy and straightforward method.
• Allows quick and direct access to SharePoint files and folders from Windows File Explorer.
• Compatible with all Windows 10 editions.

Cons:

• Mapping the SharePoint drive through Windows File Explorer may cause performance issues when working with large files and folders.
• May require constant authentication with SharePoint site credentials.

Method 2: Via Internet Explorer

This method involves using Internet Explorer to map a SharePoint drive. Here’s how:

1. Open Internet Explorer browser and navigate to the SharePoint site URL.
2. Click the Gear icon in the top right corner and select Map network drive.
3. In the Map Network Drive window, select the drive letter you want to assign to the SharePoint drive, and in the Folder field, enter the URL of the SharePoint site. For example, enter http://sharepointsite/company/dept.
4. Select Connect using different credentials.
5. Enter your SharePoint account credentials, and click OK.
6. Click Finish to complete the SharePoint drive mapping.

Pros:

• Secure method of mapping SharePoint drives due to built-in security features of Internet Explorer.
• Doesn’t require constantly entering SharePoint site credentials.

Cons:

• May not be compatible with all Windows 10 editions and requires Internet Explorer to be installed.
• Mapping SharePoint drives through Internet Explorer may limit access to certain features and functions of SharePoint.

Method 3: Using PowerShell

Mapping a SharePoint drive using PowerShell is ideal for IT professionals and advanced users. Here are the steps:

1. Open PowerShell with administrative privilege.
2. Type in the following command: New-PSDrive –Name SharePoint –PSProvider FileSystem –Root http://sharepointsite/company/dept –Credential (Get-Credential).
3. When prompted, enter your SharePoint account credentials, and click OK.
4. If the credentials were correct, you should now be able to see the SharePoint site folders and files under the mapped drive letter in Windows File Explorer.

Pros:

• Ensures secure mapping of SharePoint drive due to PowerShell automation.
• Can be used to map multiple SharePoint drives simultaneously.
• Highly customisable with various PowerShell commands available.

Cons:

• Requires some PowerShell knowledge and experience.
• May not be compatible with all Windows 10 editions.

Method 4: Via OneDrive Sync Client

If you’re already using OneDrive for Business, this method of mapping a SharePoint drive could be beneficial. Here’s how:

1. Open the OneDrive app and select More > Settings.
2. Click the Account tab, and click Add an account.
3. Enter your SharePoint site URL and click Connect.
4. Enter your SharePoint account credentials, and click Sign in.
5. Select the folders or files you want to sync, and click Start sync.
6. You can now access the synced SharePoint folders and files from Windows File Explorer under the OneDrive folder.

Pros:

• Easy to use for those already familiar with OneDrive for Business.
• Allows for sync with various devices and OneDrive libraries.

Cons:

• May not be suitable for users who don’t use OneDrive for Business already.
• May not be compatible with all Windows 10 editions.

Why Can’t I Map a SharePoint Drive and Fixes

There could be several reasons why you’re unable to map a SharePoint drive:

1. You don’t have the necessary permissions to access the SharePoint site and content.
2. The SharePoint site URL is incorrect or not in the correct format.
3. The SharePoint site has not been enabled for mapping drives.
4. Your Windows 10 device may not meet the requirements necessary for mapping a SharePoint drive.

Here are some fixes based on these issues:

1. Contact your SharePoint administrator to request permissions to access the SharePoint site and content.
2. Ensure that the SharePoint site URL is correct and follows the required format:
   http://siteurl/_layouts/15/mapdrive.aspx
3. Enable mapping drives on the SharePoint site by going to
   Site settings > Site features > Open with Explorer > Activate.
4. Make sure your Windows 10 device meets the required specifications for mapping a SharePoint site drive, such as having the correct version of PowerShell or Internet Explorer installed.

Implications and Recommendations

Mapping a SharePoint drive can positively impact your workflow significantly. With quick and easy access to SharePoint files and folders, collaboration and productivity can be improved across teams. However, it’s essential to note that improper mapping can lead to data security problems, server overloading, and performance issues. Therefore, it’s essential to follow best practices and map SharePoint drives based on specific business needs and requirements. It’s also important to keep permissions and authentication in check to avoid data breaches and unauthorized access. We recommend mapping SharePoint drives on-demand rather than as a default for better access control and resource optimization.

5 FAQs about Mapping a SharePoint Drive

Q1: How do I disconnect a mapped SharePoint drive?

A: To disconnect a SharePoint drive mapped in Windows 10 File Explorer, navigate to File Explorer > Computer/This PC > right-click on the mapped SharePoint drive and select Disconnect.

Q2: Can I map a SharePoint drive on a Mac?

A: Yes, mapping a SharePoint drive to a Mac is possible with the File Sharing protocol. However, the process may differ depending on the Mac operating system version and SharePoint environment configuration.

Q3: What’s the difference between OneDrive and SharePoint?

A: OneDrive is primarily for file storage and access for individuals, while SharePoint is web-based collaboration software designed for enterprise-level document management and team collaboration.

Q4: How do I check if my Windows device meets the requirements for mapping a SharePoint drive?

A: Check the Microsoft Documentation on Windows requirements for more information on what you need to successfully map a SharePoint drive in Windows 10.

Q5: Is it possible to map multiple SharePoint drives on Windows 10 concurrently?

A: Yes, it is possible to map multiple SharePoint drives on a Windows 10 concurrently using the command-line interface or PowerShell. The drives can be assigned different drive letters for easy access and management.

In Conclusion

Mapping a SharePoint drive in Windows 10 can be a great way to enhance collaboration and productivity for teams working with SharePoint. By following the best practices and choosing the right method, businesses can improve access control, resource optimization, and data security. The above-listed methods to map a SharePoint drive in Windows 10 can be helpful, depending on your specific needs and requirements. Mapping a SharePoint drive on-demand rather than as a default can lead to better performance and improved access control. With the right preparation and execution, mapping a SharePoint drive in Windows 10 can be a breeze.