Overview
If you need to access files or folders in SharePoint directly through File Explorer you can Sync the folder, and all of its contents, using the OneDrive application on your computer. By default files will only be accessible on your computer while connected to the Internet. If you open a file it will download the file to your computer so use caution when accessing large files that might fill up your computer storage.
Limitations
It is recommended that you only sync folders or files that you need access to in File Explorer. Syncing large quantities of files (in the thousands of files or more) can take your computer a long time to sync and might cause issues with your OneDrive application on your computer. If you only need quick access to a folder to view contents or upload/edit files, you can bookmark the SharePoint URL in your browser, follow the site, or save directly to SharePoint from the desktop Office applications.
Set Up Syncing
Step 1: Sign into SharePoint
Open your web browser and go to storage.uidaho.edu and navigate to the storage site then the folder you need to Sync to your computer.
Step 2: Sync the Folder
In the folder you would like to Sync click the Sync button above the folder listing.
A second window will appear, click the Sync now link.
Your web browser will prompt you asking if you would like to open Microsoft OneDirve, Click the Open or OK button.
If you have not previously used the OneDrive app on your computer it may prompt you to set up OneDrive. If it does sign in using your UI email and password.
Once set up, or if the OneDrive app was already set up, a notification should appear letting you know OneDrive is now syncing the SharePoint storage folder.
Step 3: Accessing the SharePoint folder
To access the folder open File Explorer on your computer and select University of Idaho from the sidebar then select your SharePoint folder, labeled Storage-.
If there are a large number of files it can take some time to sync everything in the folder. Any changes made to the files will sync as long as your computer is connected to the Internet.
Remove Locally Stored Files
When opening files in a synced SharePoint folder the OneDrive client will download the file onto your computer, indicated by a green check mark in the Status column of File Explorer. If you do not want that file or folder (including contents) to remain on your computer after accessing it, you can right click on the file or folder and select Free up space.
Remove Synced Folders
If you no longer want to sync a SharePoint folder on your computer click on the blue OneDrive icon in your task bar notification area and select Settings. If you do not see the blue OneDrive icon you may need to click the icon to show hidden icons.
The OneDrive settings window will open. Click Stop sync next to the SharePoint folder you no longer want to sync to your computer.
A second dialogue box will appear confirming your selection. Click Stop sync to stop syncing the folder.
Any files that were still on the computer can be deleted if you navigate to the folder in File Explorer and delete it. You will then need to empty your recycle bin if you want it completely removed from your computer.