How to Access Files in SharePoint and OneDrive

SharePoint and OneDrive are both cloud resources with a local presence. Let's look at both of these. See also How Are SharePoint and OneDrive Different?

The cloud element

• Because your files are stored in the cloud, you can access them from any device.
• You will need to sign in with an account that has access to the files you are trying to open.
• You can edit the files directly in the cloud, creating instantaneous changes that will effect the experience of any other user who has access to the same file. This is true of any action you take with the file, including sorting or filtering.

To access your files on the cloud, sign into your OneDrive site or the company SharePoint site.

The local element

• The files live in the cloud, but can be synchronized to your local computer. Also when changes are made on the local computer, the updated file needs to be re-synced with the cloud. Sometimes synchronization errors will occur that will need to be resolved manually.
• The OneDrive app on your local computer handles the synchronization of files for both the OneDrive service and the SharePoint service. (Thanks, Microsoft.)
• OneDrive app synchronization happens automatically when you sign into your Window account. SharePoint synchronization needs to be configured.

OneDrive

To access your OneDrive files locally, open the OneDrive app or find your OneDrive files in Windows Explorer. Synchronization should be automatic.

Sharepoint

To synchronize a SharePoint folder

1. Open SharePoint online and find the folder you want to sync. Then click on the button highlighted below.
   
   
2. Then click the Open Microsoft OneDrive button.
   
   
   
   
3. Now your synced documents show in Windows Explorer.