How to Map SharePoint Online as a Network Drive and Its Limits
Map SharePoint Online as a network drive through WebDAV. Microsoft supports that method only in Internet Explorer. Microsoft calls WebDAV older, slower and less reliable than sync. Select Sync on the library toolbar to use OneDrive instead. Add shortcut to My files is the other option Microsoft names. Both show your SharePoint files in File Explorer. Files On Demand saves local disk space.
You want your SharePoint library under a drive letter like Z. Windows still offers a Map network drive wizard and older guides still show it.
Microsoft documents the mapping steps but points new setups to sync. You get the steps, the fixes and the limits I check first.
Does Microsoft Still Support Mapped Drives for SharePoint?
Yes, though only through Internet Explorer. Microsoft says a mapped drive is supported when you finish the sign in and trust steps in that browser. Internet Explorer is deprecated and Microsoft calls the method old technology.
Microsoft recommends the OneDrive sync client or Add shortcut to My files for new setups.
How do Sync and a Mapped Drive Compare?
Compare the three options before you start.
| Method | Best for | Main limit |
|---|---|---|
| WebDAV mapping | A drive letter on older setups | Needs Internet Explorer and a live connection |
| Sync | Daily work in File Explorer | Needs the OneDrive app |
| Shortcut | A shared folder inside OneDrive | Needs a OneDrive account |
How do You Map a SharePoint Library With WebDAV?
Who it suits. Admins on a PC that still has Internet Explorer 10 or 11. Extra application. Internet Explorer.
Microsoft gives these steps to map SharePoint Online as a network drive.
- Sign in. Open Microsoft 365 in Internet Explorer and select Stay signed in.
- Open the library. Go to the site and select the library. Switch to classic SharePoint first if you use the modern view.
- Copy the address. Choose Open with Explorer on the Library ribbon and copy the address from the File Explorer address box.
- Trust the site. Open Internet Options, select Security, then Trusted sites, then Sites. Add the root address of your site, for example https://contoso.sharepoint.com.
- Check WebClient. Confirm the service shows Started in services.msc. Set the startup type to Automatic for a lasting mapping.
- Start the wizard. Right click Network in File Explorer and select Map network drive.
- Paste the address. Choose the option to connect to a website for storing documents, select Next twice and paste the copied address.
- Name the location. Type a clear name, select Next and select Finish.
Heads Up. Microsoft says to revisit the library in Internet Explorer about every two weeks. That refreshes the security token and keeps the mapping alive.
How do You Sync a Library When Mapping Fails?
Who it suits. Users on current Windows without Internet Explorer. Extra application. OneDrive sync client.
A Microsoft answer from April 2023 gives this route.
- Open the library in your browser.
- Select Sync on the toolbar and allow the OneDrive prompt.
- Sign in to OneDrive to start syncing.
- Open File Explorer and find the library under your organization name.
Every synced location gets a separate subfolder. Changes you save offline upload when you reconnect. Read how Files On Demand behaves after a migration before you disable it.
Why does a Mapped Drive Show Access Denied?
Microsoft lists two errors. One says the path is not accessible. The other asks you to add the site to your trusted sites first.
- Trusted sites. Add your site and also https://*.microsoftonline.com and https://*.microsoft.com.
- Stay signed in. Sign out, close every browser window, sign in again and select Stay signed in.
- WebClient. A Disabled service blocks mapping and cannot be started.
- Hotfixes. Internet Explorer 10 on Windows 8 or Windows 7 needs KB 2846960.
- Slow listing. Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 list a library slowly through the mapping until a hotfix is installed.
What Limits Apply to WebDAV Mapping and Sync?
- Browser. The mapping steps need Internet Explorer 10 or 11.
- Connection. The mapping works only online and speed follows your connection.
- Sign in. The security token needs a refresh about every two weeks.
- Stability. A Microsoft moderator said in April 2026 that mapping is no longer recommended because of stability and sign in problems.
- Sync size. A Microsoft moderator advises keeping synced items under about 300,000. Microsoft docs were not checked for that figure.
Which Habits Keep a SharePoint Connection Stable?
- Prefer sync. Choose Sync for any new setup.
- Enable Files On Demand. Files stay in the cloud until you open them.
- Sync fewer folders. Split a huge library into smaller ones.
- Tidy shortcuts. Use the guide on how to remove a SharePoint shortcut from OneDrive.
Which Mistakes Break a WebDAV Mapping?
- Skipping Trusted sites. The Access Denied prompt returns.
- Leaving WebClient off. Mapping fails at once.
- Forgetting the token. The drive drops after a few days.
- Mapping a huge library. Browsing gets slow.
My Verdict on Mapping SharePoint as a Drive
Choose Sync for daily work and a shortcut for one shared folder. Keep WebDAV only for a PC that still needs it.
Test with one library first and check that it reconnects after a restart.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft supports the mapping only through Internet Explorer.
- Microsoft calls WebDAV older, slower and less reliable than sync.
- Sync shows the library in File Explorer with Files On Demand.
- WebDAV needs a live connection and a fresh token.
Next Read
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Map SharePoint as a Drive Today?
Yes, though only through Internet Explorer. Microsoft supports the mapping when you finish the sign in and trust steps there. Microsoft recommends Sync or a OneDrive shortcut instead.
Can a Disabled WebClient Service Still Map a Drive?
No. Microsoft says mapping fails when the service is Disabled and cannot start. Check services.msc and set the startup type to Automatic.
Can the Mapping Stop Working After the Sign in Expires?
Yes, an expired sign in is a common cause. Microsoft says to revisit the library in Internet Explorer about every two weeks. Select Stay signed in when you sign in.
Is a Mapped Drive Faster Than Sync?
No. Microsoft calls WebDAV older, slower and less reliable than the sync client. The sync client also offers Files On Demand so files stay off your disk until you open them.
Can I Open a Synced Library in File Explorer?
Yes. The library appears under your organization name. Every synced location gets a separate subfolder.
Does the Mapping Work Offline?
No, Microsoft says it works only while you are online. Sync keeps changes you save offline and uploads them when you reconnect.
Can I Use a Shortcut Instead of Syncing?
Yes, Add shortcut to My files places a shortcut in your OneDrive. Shortcuts show in OneDrive on the web, File Explorer, Finder, Teams and the mobile apps.
Jamie blends strategic marketing insight with technical writing, turning migration and recovery topics into guidance that works for technical and general readers alike.
Published 3 November 2026. Mapped drive steps and requirements come from Microsoft's page on how to troubleshoot mapped network drives and its page on how to map a network drive to a SharePoint library. The Sync route comes from a Microsoft answer on how to map a SharePoint folder in Windows. The sync size note comes from a Microsoft answer on syncing large libraries. Menus change. Confirm them on your own site.