Open with Windows Explorer Error: “Your client does not support opening this list with windows explorer”

Problem: Some of the end-users got the following message when trying to open a SharePoint Document Library in explorer view from Windows 7 / Windows Server 2008.

Open with Windows Explorer Error
Error : “Your client does not support opening this list with windows explorer”
Open with Windows Explorer Error: "Your client does not support opening this list with windows explorer"

Try these solutions:

  •  As of now, This feature is available only in IE 32 bit. (Not in 64-bit Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox)
  • Try this hotfix: https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=15123 after the fix, if SharePoint prompts for credentials, then implement this fix as well: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/943280/en-us
  • Try this hotfix: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/841215 
  • If you have IE 10, Try: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2846960 
  • Enable “Desktop Experience” pack in case of Windows 2008 https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc772567.aspx
  • Check the path of the folder in which you are trying to upload. It should not exceed the 100-character limit. (In IE6 especially)
  • Add the website to the Trusted Sites list in Internet Explorer
  •  Enable/restart the “WebClient” service in Windows
Still facing the trouble? Use the Alternate Method to Open with Explorer

Salaudeen Rajack

Salaudeen Rajack - Information Technology Expert with Two-decades of hands-on experience, specializing in SharePoint, PowerShell, Microsoft 365, and related products. He has held various positions including SharePoint Architect, Administrator, Developer and consultant, has helped many organizations to implement and optimize SharePoint solutions. Known for his deep technical expertise, He's passionate about sharing the knowledge and insights to help others, through the real-world articles!

8 thoughts on “Open with Windows Explorer Error: “Your client does not support opening this list with windows explorer”

  • I was wondering how I can get solution to open SharePoint document library in explorer view from windows 7. I searched in google and got an answer on your blog post. It ends my search and looking forward for solutions. Thanks.

    Reply
  • Hi all,
    in my case it was enough to set the Compatibility View for our intranet on IE11 and all issues ended.

    Reply
    • cool – thanks!

      Reply
  • Hi. I don’t know if you fixed your issue. But this is what fixed it for me on Windows 7 x64, with IE9. https://support.microsoft.com/kb/841215

    1.Click Start, type regedit in the Start Search box, and then click regedit.exe in the Programs list.
    2.Locate and then click the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesWebClientParameters

    3.On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
    4.Type BasicAuthLevel, and then press Enter.
    5.On the Edit menu, click Modify.
    6.In the Value data box, type 2, and then click OK.
    7.Restart webclient service

    Reply
    • Didn’t work for me 🙁

      Reply
  • Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the excellent work.

    Regards,
    Nico Martens

    Reply
  • didn’t fix it for me, i still receive error

    i’m on win 7 SP1 64bit with Office 32bit in IE 32 bit and still receiving error.

    this is what i’ve done thus far:
    + (KB907306) : Software Update for Web Folders
    + Modified registry key under ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetservicesWebClientParameters:
    – (KB841215) : set BasicAuthLevel to 2 to allow for basic authentication over SSL
    – (KB943280) : added multi string value for AuthForwardServerList including “https://faithgroup.collaborationhost.net”
    + Added “https://faithgroup.collaborationhost.net” to trusted sites in IE
    + Verified that WebDav is installed and running on both client and server side. Cycled service off and back on numerous times after making changes.
    + Installed Microsoft Silverlight

    Reply

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