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Share and sync

Sync SharePoint files and folders

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Sync the files in your Microsoft 365 or Microsoft SharePoint site libraries so they’re always available on your computer, even when you’re offline.

Turn on Files On-Demand in OneDrive

  1. In the Windows notification area, select the blue OneDrive cloud icon.

    OneDrive SyncClient with blue cloud and white cloud icons

    Note: If you’re on Windows 10, your computer already has the OneDrive desktop app on it, but you'll need to turn on Files On-Demand in OneDrive settings.

  2. Select OneDrive Help and Settings icon > Settings.

  3. Select Settings > Save space and download files as you use them.

Set up Sync for your library

Users have two options when syncing files in SharePoint libraries and Teams. They can

Both options allow essentially the same thing—users can access files on their local computer in Explorer or Finder. However, adding OneDrive shortcuts allows content to be accessed on all devices, whereas sync is related to a specific device. Additionally, OneDrive shortcuts offer improved performance versus using the sync button.

We recommend using OneDrive shortcuts as the more versatile option when available.

If you need to use the Sync button:

  1. In your browser, on your SharePoint site, navigate to the library of files you want to sync with.

  2. Select Sync in the toolbar.

    The Sync button on the toolbar in a SharePoint library.

    Note: If your browser asks for permission to use OneDrive, confirm that it's OK.

  3. Sign in to OneDrive to start syncing your files and finish OneDrive setup.

Work with your files in your file system

  • Once synced, your SharePoint files appear in File Explorer under the name of your organization (or in Mac Finder, if you're using a Mac).

  • Each location will appear in a separate subfolder.

  • Copy or move files from your computer to SharePoint right from your file system.

  • To check the status of your files, add an account, or manage other sync settings, select the blue OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area.

Sync the files in your Microsoft 365 or Microsoft SharePoint site libraries so they’re always available on your computer, even when you’re offline.

Turn on Files On-Demand in OneDrive

  1. On the right-hand side of the menu bar at the top, select the OneDrive cloud icon. (You may have more than one cloud icon. Select each in turn and read the title bar of the pop-up window that appears to find the icon that represents your work files—rather than your personal files.)

    The OneDrive icon appears on the menu bar towards the upper right.

  2. Select OneDrive Help and Settings icon > Preferences.

  3. Under Files on Demand, ensure that this feature is turned on. If the button there says Turn Off Files On-Demand, then it's already turned on. 

Set up Sync for your library

Users have two options when syncing files in SharePoint libraries and Teams. They can

Both options allow essentially the same thing—users can access files on their local computer in Explorer or Finder. However, adding OneDrive shortcuts allows content to be accessed on all devices, whereas sync is related to a specific device. Additionally, OneDrive shortcuts offer improved performance versus using the sync button.

We recommend using OneDrive shortcuts as the more versatile option when available. 

If you need to use the Sync button:

  1. In your browser, on your SharePoint site, navigate to the library of files you want to sync with.

  2. Select Sync in the toolbar.

    The Sync button on the toolbar in a SharePoint library.

    Note: If your browser asks for permission to use OneDrive, confirm that it's OK.

  3. Sign in to OneDrive to start syncing your files and finish OneDrive setup.

Work with your files in your file system

  • Once synced, your SharePoint files appear in Mac Finder under the name of your organization.

  • Each SharePoint library that you've sync'd with appears in a separate subfolder in Finder.

  • Copy or move files from your computer to SharePoint right from your file system.

  • To check the status of your files, add an account, or manage other sync settings, select the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area.

For more details, see Save disk space with OneDrive Files On-Demand for Mac.

Work with files in Files On-Demand

After Files On-Demand is turned on, you’ll see new status icons next to each of your SharePoint files. You can copy or move files from your computer to SharePoint right from your file system.

Conceptual image of an online only file

Save space on your device by making files online-only.

These files are only available when you're connected to the Internet, but don't take up space on your computer.

Conceptual image of a locally available file

When you open an online-only file, it downloads to your device and becomes locally available.

You can open a locally available file at anytime even without Internet access.

Conceptual image of an always available file

To make a file always available, even when you're offline:

  • Right-click it and select Always keep on this device.

To change a file back to an online-only file:

  • Right-click it and select Free up space.

Want more?

Work with synced files in File Explorer

Windows: Sync SharePoint files with the new OneDrive sync app

macOS: Sync files with OneDrive on Mac OS X

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