OneDrive: Sync a Microsoft Teams Folder to File Explorer

Overview

This article explains how to sync a shared Microsoft Teams folder to OneDrive so that it can be accessed directly from File Explorer on your computer.

Once synced, the shared folder will appear under your Northwood Tech OneDrive and can be accessed without navigating to Teams or SharePoint each time.

Key Information

  • The folder must be part of a Microsoft Teams team you have access to.
  • Syncing the folder makes it available through File Explorer on your computer.
  • Changes made to synced files are synchronized with the shared folder in Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
  • You must have the appropriate permissions to access the Team's shared files.
📝 Note: Syncing a folder does not create a separate copy of the files. The folder remains stored in the Team's SharePoint site while OneDrive provides access to it through File Explorer.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, you'll need:

  • Access to the Microsoft Team containing the folder.
  • The Microsoft OneDrive desktop app installed and signed in with your Northwood Tech account.
  • A Windows computer with File Explorer.

Instructions

Sync a Teams Folder to OneDrive

  1. Open Microsoft Teams.
  2. Click Teams.
  3. Select the Team or Channel containing the folder you want to sync.
  4. Click Shared.
  5. Click ... next to the folder or file area.
  6. Click Open in SharePoint.
  7. In SharePoint, click ....
  8. Click Sync.
  9. Check Always allow mywitc.sharepoint.com to open links of this type in the associated app.
  10. Click Open Microsoft OneDrive.
  11. Open File Explorer.
  12. Select your Northwood Tech OneDrive.
    • Username - Northwood Technical College
  13. Locate your Team's shared folder.
    • Team - Channel​​​​​​​
💡 Tip: Once the folder is synced, you can access it from File Explorer just like other folders on your computer. You don't need to open Teams or SharePoint each time you want to access the files.

Troubleshooting

I don't see the Sync option

Try the following:

  • Verify you've opened the Team's Shared folder in SharePoint.
  • Make sure you're selecting the ... (More options) menu for the folder, not an individual file.
  • Verify you have permission to access the folder.
  • Refresh the SharePoint page and try again.

The Open Microsoft OneDrive prompt doesn't appear

Try the following:

  • Make sure the OneDrive desktop app is installed and running on your computer.
  • Refresh the SharePoint page and select Sync again.
  • If prompted, select Open Microsoft OneDrive.
  • Restart OneDrive and try syncing the folder again.

I don't see my Team's folder in File Explorer

Try the following:

  • Verify the folder has finished syncing.
  • Make sure you're signed in to OneDrive with your Northwood Tech account.
  • Open File Explorer and look under your Northwood Tech OneDrive.
  • Restart OneDrive and allow a few moments for the folder to appear.
  • Try syncing the folder again from SharePoint if it still doesn't appear.

The folder isn't syncing or files aren't appearing

Try the following:

  • Verify you're connected to the internet.
  • Check that OneDrive is running and signed in.
  • Allow additional time for the initial synchronization to complete.
  • Check the OneDrive icon in the Windows taskbar for any sync errors.
  • Restart OneDrive and check the folder again.

I receive an error when trying to sync the folder

Try the following:

  • Verify you're signed in to OneDrive using your Northwood Tech account.
  • Confirm you have access to the Team and shared folder.
  • Restart OneDrive and try syncing again.
  • If the problem continues, submit a Service Desk ticket and include the error message or a screenshot.

I accidentally stopped syncing the folder

If you stopped syncing a Team folder, the files remain stored in the Team's SharePoint site.

Try the following:

  • Return to the Team's Shared folder in SharePoint.
  • Select ... > Sync.
  • Follow the prompts to reconnect the folder to OneDrive.
  • Open File Explorer and verify the folder appears under your Northwood Tech OneDrive.

Need Additional Assistance?

If you're unable to sync the Team's shared folder after following the steps and troubleshooting guidance above, submit an IT Service Desk ticket.

Include the name of the Team, the folder you're trying to sync, and any error messages or screenshots, if available, so the Service Desk can assist you as quickly as possible.

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