Synchronize a SharePoint Document Library to OneDrive (File Explorer)

ℹ️ If you've been given a link to a SharePoint document library, you can keep using it through the browser (web access) OR you can synchronize it to OneDrive so the files show up in File Explorer like any other folder on your computer. This article explains both, the trade-offs, and the step-by-step to set up sync.

⚠️ The Most Important Thing to Know First

🛑 SharePoint web is always the single point of truth. Synced drives are a convenience, not a replacement for SharePoint. They can fall out of sync, conflict with someone else's changes, or get stuck. If you ever need to be certain a file is correct, up-to-date, or actually saved, check it in SharePoint through your browser.

Sync is genuinely useful — but it adds a copy of the library on your local computer, and copies can drift. The version on SharePoint.com is the master. The version on your computer is a working convenience. Treat them accordingly.

🤔 Should You Sync? Web vs. Sync

Both approaches work. Pick based on how you actually use the library.

Many people use both — SharePoint web for the master view, sync for day-to-day work.

📋 Before You Start

1. You need to have been given access to the SharePoint library. If you got a link from someone but it asks you to request access, that has to be approved first.
2. OneDrive must be set up and signed in on the workstation. On most Argus workstations it's already running — look for the cloud icon in the bottom-right system tray. If it isn't, see the troubleshooting section below.
3. Use the workstation you actually work at. Syncing a library to a shared/floating workstation creates problems for the next user.

Step 1: Click the Sync Button

Open the SharePoint library link in your browser. You'll see a page like this:

In the toolbar near the top, click 🔄 Sync.

Step 2: Approve the Two Dialog Boxes

Two pop-ups will appear:

1. The top dialog asks if you want to let SharePoint open Microsoft OneDrive. Check the box ("Always allow…") so you don't get prompted every time, then click Open.
2. The bottom dialog ("We're syncing your files") should close on its own once OneDrive picks up the request. If it doesn't, click Close manually.

Step 3: Sign in to OneDrive (if asked)

If OneDrive isn't already signed in, you'll see this setup window:

Enter your company email address (the same one you use for the workstation and Outlook), then click Sign in. Enter your password and complete MFA when prompted.

You'll see a series of welcome / introduction dialogs after this. Just click through them.

💡 Already signed in? You'll skip this step entirely. The sync will just start.

Step 4: Find Your Synced Library in File Explorer

Once setup completes, open File Explorer (Windows key + E). Click OneDrive in the left sidebar.

Your newly synced library will appear here, alongside any other Argus libraries already synced. You can now open, edit, and save files in it just like any other folder.

Files have a status icon next to them:

💡 Tips for Working With a Synced Library

• Save inside the app (Word, Excel, etc.) the way you normally would. The save happens locally, then OneDrive uploads it to SharePoint in the background. There's nothing extra to click.
• Don't move or rename the top-level synced folder in File Explorer. That can break the sync. Move/rename files inside the folder freely.
• Don't make a file "Always keep on this device" unless you actually need offline access — it eats local disk space.
• Check the OneDrive icon in the system tray occasionally. A green check on the cloud icon means everything is synced. A red X means something's wrong — click it to see details.

⚠️ When Sync Can Go Wrong

Sync isn't perfect. The most common failure modes:

Files stuck "uploading" or "pending"

Sometimes a file gets stuck. The fix is usually:

1. Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray.
2. Click Pause syncing → wait 10 seconds → click Resume syncing.
3. If still stuck, restart the workstation.

"Conflict copy" files

If two people edit the same file at the same time, you'll end up with two versions — yours and a file with -conflict or someone's name appended. Open both, decide which version (or merger) is correct, and delete the other.

To prevent this: check who else might be editing before you start a big change, or use the SharePoint web interface which handles concurrent editing better.

Files showing differently in File Explorer vs. SharePoint web

This is the moment to trust SharePoint web. Your local copy may be out of date, may be uploading, or may have failed to sync. Compare the two — whichever is on SharePoint.com is the official version.

Library suddenly disappeared from File Explorer

The library may have been moved, renamed, or permissions changed at the SharePoint end. Open the SharePoint link in your browser — if the library is still there, just resync it.

🔄 How to Stop Syncing a Library

If you no longer need a library synced (you've changed roles, the library is going away, etc.):

1. Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray.
2. Click the gear/settings icon → Settings.
3. Go to the Account tab.
4. Find the library in the list and click Stop sync next to it.

The local copy stays on your computer until you delete it manually, but it's no longer synced — changes won't go anywhere.

🛠️ Common Problems

"Nothing happens when I click Sync"

• Make sure OneDrive is running. Look for the cloud icon in the system tray. If it isn't there, search for OneDrive in the Start menu and open it.
• Check that you're signed in to OneDrive with your company email, not a personal Microsoft account.
• Try refreshing the SharePoint page and clicking Sync again.

"I'm signed in but the library still won't sync"

• Submit a ticket — there may be a permissions issue on the SharePoint side that needs IT to fix.

"It says I don't have permission to sync this"

• The library owner needs to grant you sync access (this is sometimes separate from view/edit access). Ask the person who shared the link, or submit a ticket.

"I synced a library but can't find it"

• Open File Explorer → click OneDrive in the left sidebar → look for a sub-folder with the SharePoint site name (e.g., Argus Hospitality - Documents).

🆘 When to Submit a Ticket

Submit a ticket if:

• You can't get OneDrive to sign in with your company email.
• A library won't sync even though you have access in SharePoint web.
• You have a sync conflict you don't know how to resolve safely.
• You're seeing persistent red X errors on files and the pause/resume trick didn't fix it.

When submitting:

• Mention which SharePoint library (paste the SharePoint web URL).
• Mention your workstation's asset tag.
• Include a screenshot of the OneDrive error if there is one.

Related Articles

• The Basics to Try When You Have a Problem (KB# 10001)
• How to Fill Out a Ticket (KB# 10002)
• Password Policies for Argus Hospitality (KB# 10005)

ArgusIT KB# 180001 | Original: November 18, 2021 (Vincent Kruggel) | Rebuilt: May 25, 2026