SharePoint Sync vs Add Shortcut to OneDrive: Simplify Your File Management

Syncing your OneDrive files with SharePoint can be a game-changer for your productivity.

If you're already using OneDrive, you might be wondering why you need SharePoint. In fact, SharePoint can be a more powerful tool for collaboration and file management, especially for teams.

One of the key differences between SharePoint Sync and adding a shortcut to OneDrive is the level of integration with your organization's network. SharePoint Sync allows for seamless syncing with your company's SharePoint site, making it easier to access and share files with colleagues.

You can also use SharePoint Sync to sync files with multiple SharePoint sites, making it a great option for teams that work on multiple projects.

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SharePoint Sync is a feature that allows you to access SharePoint data on your local device by syncing it to Windows File Explorer or macOS Finder.

This feature is useful for working offline, but some SharePoint management-related functions can't be found through File Explorer.

You can use Sync to access SharePoint data on a specific device, but it won't create a shortcut to OneDrive on all devices like Add Shortcut to OneDrive does.

To use Sync, you need to enable Files On-Demand first, which is a prerequisite for both Sync and Add Shortcut to OneDrive.

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The Sync feature in OneDrive allows you to sync files through File Explorer or Finder, making the data accessible from various devices and platforms.

Both Sync and Add Shortcut to OneDrive allow you to access SharePoint content from File Explorer, but they work differently. Sync downloads the files to your local device, while Add Shortcut to OneDrive creates a link to the SharePoint content.

The Sync feature presents separate sections in File Explorer for content synced from SharePoint and OneDrive for Business, making it convenient for users to create, access, and manage personal or work content directly in the file explorer.

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Add Shortcut to OneDrive, on the other hand, creates a SharePoint library or folder shortcut to OneDrive for Business on all devices, including phones, computers, and browsers, for easy access.

To add SharePoint Add Shortcut to OneDrive or Sync, you have to enable Files On-Demand first.

Here's a summary of the key differences between Sync and Add Shortcut to OneDrive:

Ultimately, the choice between Sync and Add Shortcut to OneDrive depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want to access SharePoint content from File Explorer and have it available offline, Sync might be the better option. However, if you want to create a link to SharePoint content that's accessible from various devices and platforms, Add Shortcut to OneDrive is the way to go.

If you want to add SharePoint to OneDrive in real-time, you have two official methods and a third-party option. The two official methods, "Add Shortcut to OneDrive" and "Sync", are helpful but limited to the same Microsoft account and device.

To use the official methods, you need to enable Files On-Demand first. This allows you to access the same data from your commonly used service. The choice between "Add Shortcut to OneDrive" and "Sync" depends on whether you use the browser service or local service in File Explorer or Finder.

You can add a SharePoint library or folder shortcut to OneDrive for Business on all devices using "Add Shortcut to OneDrive". This creates a shortcut that you can access on the browser, phones, and computers. On the other hand, "Sync" only syncs SharePoint to a local drive in File Explorer or Finder on a specific device for working offline.

Here are the steps to add SharePoint to OneDrive using the official methods:

However, if you want to add SharePoint to your personal OneDrive or another OneDrive for Business account without downloading or installing anything, a professional cloud-to-cloud online sync service like MultCloud can meet your needs. MultCloud supports more than 30 major cloud storage services, including SharePoint Online, OneDrive, and OneDrive for Business.

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As you weigh the pros and cons of SharePoint Sync and Add Shortcut to OneDrive, it's essential to consider the troubleshooting and comparison aspects.

SharePoint Sync can be more challenging to resolve issues with, especially if you're dealing with complex site structures. This is because of its more robust syncing capabilities, which can sometimes lead to conflicts.

One thing to keep in mind is that SharePoint Sync requires a more significant amount of storage space compared to Add Shortcut to OneDrive. This is due to the way it handles file syncing and caching.

If you're experiencing syncing issues with SharePoint Sync, it's worth checking your site's permissions and ensuring that your account has the necessary access rights. This can be a game-changer in resolving syncing problems.

In terms of comparison, Add Shortcut to OneDrive is generally more straightforward to set up and use, especially for smaller teams or individual users. This is because it doesn't require the same level of technical expertise as SharePoint Sync.

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However, SharePoint Sync offers more advanced features, such as the ability to sync multiple sites and libraries at once. This can be a significant advantage for larger organizations or teams with complex workflows.

Ultimately, the choice between SharePoint Sync and Add Shortcut to OneDrive will depend on your specific needs and preferences.