Mapping SharePoint Online as a network drive gives you access to document libraries directly in File Explorer. To do so, I’ll explain how to map SharePoint Online as Network Drive Windows 11 / 10 with and without Internet Explorer.
So, why only Windows 10 and 11?
In 2025, this process will be officially supported only on Windows 10 and Windows 11, as older versions come with outdated authentication methods. One more reason is that Microsoft officially announced the end of support for Windows 8 and previous versions.
According to Microsoft’s official support page, even Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, which means this year. This creates issues in mapping and security protocols.
Don’t worry, here I’ll share some methods to tackle this issue. So, first, let me explain the reasons behind it.
Why Map SharePoint Online as Network Drive?
Mapping SharePoint Online as a network drive is useful for many reasons:
- Browse SharePoint files directly in File Explorer.
- No need to open a browser and navigate through multiple clicks.
- Copy files just like a local folder.
- Supports drag-and-drop file transfers.
- Many applications work better when files are in a mapped drive location.
Honestly speaking, this is best suited for users who need quick access to frequently used SharePoint libraries, not for SharePoint tenant to tenant migration or large-scale file transfers.
How to Map SharePoint Online as a Network Drive Windows 11 / 10?
Mapping SharePoint Online as a network drive is a simple and error-free procedure if you follow the steps correctly. That’s why, first, I recommend making sure you have these in place:
- Windows 10 or 11.
- SharePoint Online site URL for the library to map.
- Microsoft 365 account credentials with access to that library.
- Internet Explorer 11 or Edge enabled for WebDAV authentication.
- A stable internet connection, as mapping won’t work offline.
When you’re sure about all these things, then move to the methods:
#Solution 1. With Internet Explorer
Using Internet Explorer, you can easily map SharePoint Online as Network Drive. Below are the quick steps to proceed:
- Open SharePoint Online site in a browser.
- Navigate to the document library to map.
- Click the Documents tab.
- Copy the library’s URL, but remove anything after the library name.
Now, you can enable Internet Explorer Mode if needed. Windows sometimes needs authentication through IE or Edge IE mode:
- Open Edge, type:
edge://settings/defaultbrowser - Enable Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.
- Restart Edge.
When everything is set, map the Drive in File Explorer:
- Open File Explorer.
- Right-click This PC > Map network drive.
- Choose a drive letter, e.g., A.
- In the Folder field, paste the SharePoint library URL you copied earlier.
- Check Reconnect at sign-in.
- Click Finish.
- If prompted, enter your Microsoft 365 email and password.
#Solution 2. Map SharePoint Online as Network Drive Without Internet Explorer
If you don’t want to use Internet Explorer for mapping, then run these PowerShell commands below:
- Open PowerShell as Admin and run the cmdlet below to enable the WebClient service:
Set-Service webclient –StartupType Automatic
Start-Service webclient
Now, add the SharePoint site to Trusted Sites:
- In Control Panel > Internet Options > Security > Trusted Sites:
- Add https://<sharepointtenant>.sharepointmigrator.com
- Go to Custom Level > set User Authentication to Automatic logon with current username and password.
- Open a normal Edge sign-in to SharePoint Online for authentication.
- Afterwards, map the drive: in File Explorer, go to Map Network Drive, choose a drive letter, e.g., A, and paste the library URL.
- Enable Reconnect at sign-in and click Finish.
- When prompted, enter your Microsoft 365 credentials.
So, with these steps, one can easily map SharePoint Online without needing Internet Explorer.
#Solution 3. Map SharePoint Online as Network Drive PowerShell
Here are the PowerShell commands to map your SharePoint Online document library as a network drive.
$Path_of_Library = "Here enter the path"
$Network = new-object -ComObject WScript.Network
$Network.MapNetworkDrive('R:', $Path_of_Library )
$Path_of_Library = "Enter the Document Library Path"
New-PSDrive -name "R" -Root $Path_of_Library -PSProvider filesystem
Remember to update SharePoint Online management shell for a hassle-free experience.
Does Mapping a Network Drive on a Mac Support?
No, Microsoft support confirmed in 2022 and again in 2024 that mapping a network drive on a Mac via Finder is not supported on macOS. Attempts to use WebDAV or Finder’s Connect to Server fail.
The only officially supported map SharePoint Online as Network Drive alternative for Mac users is to sync SharePoint Document Library to local folder, or use the OneDrive sync client.
Cons of Mapping SharePoint Online as a Network Drive
Mapping SharePoint Online poses some limitations, such as:
- It can be slower than working in the browser for large libraries.
- Requires internet access at all times.
- Permissions issues can block access.
- Not as reliable as OneDrive sync for offline work.
Alternative: OneDrive Sync
In some cases, instead of mapping as a network drive, I prefer using OneDrive Sync because:
- It keeps files offline.
- Work without internet and sync changes later.
- Avoid authentication issues.
You can set it up by clicking Sync in the SharePoint library and following the OneDrive setup wizard.
Author’s Verdict
Mapping SharePoint Online as a network drive is a quick way to integrate cloud storage into daily workflows. I explained everything you need to know about how to map SharePoint Online as Network Drive Windows 11 / 10, with and without Internet Explorer.
Additionally, for Mac users, this approach is not useful because mapping a network drive on a Mac is not supported due to security protocols.
Therefore, I recommend using OneDrive sync or backup SharePoint Online to local storage to access data without the internet. Still, it is up to you to choose which best suits your needs.
People Also Ask
Q1. Can I map multiple SharePoint libraries as different drives?
Yes, just repeat the mapping process for each library, using different drive letters.
Q2. Does this work on macOS?
No, mapping as a network drive is a Windows-specific process. On Mac, you can use OneDrive or third-party WebDAV tools.
Q3. Is mapping a network drive secure?
Yes, if you’re using HTTPS URLs and Microsoft 365 authentication. But avoid doing this on public or unsecured devices.