SharePoint OneDrive Teams access and integration

Question

I don't understand how to use SharePoint and OneDrive relates to SharePoint and Teams. I typically use local versions of Teams and OneDrive and keep everything saved on OneDrive and Share files through Teams. People I work with are going right into SharePoint and sharing files but i don't know how to find them.

Answer 1

Dear @Rosemary Spampinato,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum.

I understand that there may be some confusion about how Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive work together, and I’m happy to help clarify.

The key thing to know is that while Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive look like separate applications, they actually use the same storage system behind the scenes. The difference is simply how and where files are accessed.

Here’s how they relate to one another:

Files uploaded in a Teams channel (under the Shared tab) are stored in that Team’s SharePoint site. Specifically, they go into the Documents library, usually inside a folder named after the channel (for example, “General”). This is why your colleagues can go directly into SharePoint and see those same files, it’s the exact same location.

Files shared in a private Teams chat (1:1 or group chat) are stored in the sender’s OneDrive. Only the people in that chat have access.

Files saved directly in your OneDrive and shared via Teams remain in your OneDrive. Others are accessing them through a sharing link.

In short:

• Teams channels = SharePoint storage
• Teams chats = OneDrive storage
• Everything is connected and accessible across the tools.

How to Find Files Shared by Your Colleagues

In Teams (easiest method):

Go to the relevant Team and channel, then open the Shared (or Files) tab. All files uploaded to that channel will appear there.

From OneDrive:

Open OneDrive (desktop app or OneDrive.com) and select the Shared tab on the left. This shows all files shared with you, whether they are stored in someone’s OneDrive or in SharePoint.

Directly in SharePoint:

In Teams, go to the channel > Shared tab > three dots > click Open in SharePoint

This opens the full SharePoint site in your browser, where you can browse the Documents library and see the channel folders. (e.g., something like yourcompany.sharepoint.com/sites/TeamName)

1. Once in SharePoint, open the Documents library.
2. You will see folders named after each channel (for example: General, OtherChannel).
3. Open the appropriate channel folder to locate the files you need.

Since you prefer using the "local versions," you can make SharePoint folders appear on your computer just like your OneDrive folders:

1. Open the Teams channel or SharePoint site where the files are.
2. Go to the Shared tab.
3. Click the three dots at the top > Sync
4. It uses the OneDrive sync client to add folders to File Explorer (e.g., under your organization name > TeamName - Documents).
5. The files appear local, but they remain in the cloud and stay synchronized for everyone.

For references:

Collaborating with Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive - Microsoft Support

File storage in Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Support

See files others have shared with you - Microsoft Support

I hope this explanation helps clarify how everything fits together and gives you a clear path forward. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to help. Have a wonderful day.

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