For many years, SharePoint users relied on the convenient “Open in Windows Explorer” option to manage files directly from their desktops. This feature allowed users to drag-and-drop documents, organize folders, and work with files as if they were stored locally. However, with the evolution of modern SharePoint and the retirement of Internet Explorer, this functionality has disappeared, prompting organizations to adapt to new approaches for file management.
Why “Open in Windows Explorer” Is Gone
Deprecation of Internet Explorer
The “Open in Explorer” option depended on ActiveX controls that only worked in Internet Explorer. With Microsoft officially retiring IE, modern browsers such as Edge, Chrome, and Firefox no longer support this functionality.
Shift to Modern SharePoint Experience
The modern SharePoint interface moved away from legacy technologies like WebDAV and ActiveX, which were essential for “Open in Explorer.” This change improves security, browser compatibility, and mobile access, but it also removes some old features.
Tenant and Policy Restrictions
Even in legacy modes, organizational policies may disable the feature. Administrators now encourage alternative solutions that are more secure and scalable.
Recommended Alternatives to “Open in Explorer”
OneDrive Sync Client
The OneDrive sync client is Microsoft’s recommended approach for accessing SharePoint files on your desktop. It allows files and folders to sync to your local machine while maintaining a live connection with SharePoint. This enables offline access, automatic updates, and version control.
Mapping SharePoint as a Network Drive
SharePoint libraries can be mapped using WebDAV to a network drive. But this feature is becoming obsolete, especially in modern Microsoft 365 environments. There is an issue with this option
Mapping a drive relies on WebDAV, an older protocol that modern browsers and systems increasingly restrict for security reasons.
It doesn’t fully support modern SharePoint features like metadata, versioning, and large libraries.
Mapping a drive often fails or becomes unstable when MFA is enabled.
WebDAV doesn’t handle modern authentication flows like OAuth or conditional access well, so users may experience authentication errors or lose access unexpectedly.
Microsoft Edge in Internet Explorer Mode
For legacy needs, Edge provides an IE Mode. By enabling this feature in Edge, users can temporarily access older SharePoint functionalities, including “Open in Explorer.”
Third-Party Tools
Applications like Colligo Contributor offer enhanced offline access and seamless file management, bridging the gap between local file management and cloud capabilities.
Why OneDrive Is Better Than a Traditional File Server
Many organizations are now moving away from local file servers to cloud storage solutions like OneDrive for Business. Here’s why:
Anywhere, Anytime Access
Unlike local servers restricted to office networks, OneDrive allows users to access files from anywhere using a web browser or mobile app.
Automatic Synchronization
Changes made on any device are automatically synced across all devices, ensuring team members always have the latest version.
Built-in Version Control and Recovery
OneDrive keeps historical versions of documents and allows easy recovery in case of accidental deletion or modification — something traditional servers require manual setup for.
Scalability
Adding storage in OneDrive is simple and doesn’t require additional hardware, unlike expanding a local file server.
Enhanced Security
Microsoft provides encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance controls. On-premises servers require dedicated IT resources to achieve similar security.
Collaboration Features
OneDrive integrates with Microsoft 365 apps such as Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, enabling real-time co-authoring — a significant productivity boost compared to file servers.
Conclusion
The removal of the “Open in Windows Explorer” option signals a shift toward modern, cloud-first collaboration tools. While it may initially feel inconvenient for users accustomed to local file management, solutions like OneDrive provide far more benefits than traditional file servers. Organizations gain flexibility, enhanced security, automatic synchronization, and better collaboration capabilities — all essential for today’s hybrid work environment.