Salesforce Files Connect Guide
Connect Salesforce to SharePoint
with Files Connect
~20 min setup | 6 clear steps | No coding required
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Files Connect and Salesforce SharePoint integration.
What is Salesforce Files Connect?
Files Connect is a native Salesforce feature that lets you access and attach files from external storage systems - like SharePoint Online, OneDrive, or Google Drive - directly within Salesforce records. Files stay in their original location; Salesforce simply surfaces them without duplicating storage.
- Every second saved on each field extraction really adds up over the course of a month.
- The math is simple for CRM users.
Is Files Connect free to use?
Files Connect is included in Salesforce at no extra cost, but it does require the right edition and permission setup. You'll also need an active Microsoft 365 / SharePoint Online subscription on the Microsoft side. Some advanced features may require higher Salesforce editions.
Do I need coding skills to set up Files Connect?
No. The entire setup is done through Salesforce's point-and-click Setup menu and the Azure portal. No code, no APIs, no developer involvement required - just admin access to both Salesforce and your Microsoft Azure tenant.
What's the difference between Files Connect and CloudFiles?
Files Connect is a basic read/attach integration — it lets you browse SharePoint files from within Salesforce. CloudFiles goes further: it adds two-way SharePoint sync, document engagement tracking (see when a prospect opens your proposal), branded sharing portals, e-signature workflows, and automated file organization based on Salesforce record data.
Can multiple users connect to SharePoint via Files Connect?
Yes. You can configure Files Connect in two ways: Per User (each Salesforce user authenticates with their own Microsoft account) or Named Principal (a single shared account is used for all users). Per User is more secure and recommended for most teams.
Will files be duplicated between SharePoint and Salesforce?
No, that's one of the key benefits. Files Connect creates a reference link to the SharePoint file; the file itself stays in SharePoint. Any edits made in SharePoint are instantly reflected in Salesforce. This keeps your SharePoint as the single source of truth and avoids storage bloat in Salesforce.
What SharePoint permissions do I need in Azure?
During the Azure app registration (Step 4), you'll need to grant these SharePoint API permissions: All Sites Full Control, Enterprise Resource .right, My Files .right, and Sites Search All. These allow Salesforce to browse and access files across your SharePoint environment on behalf of your users.
What if my authentication fails during setup?
The most common causes are: a mismatched Callback URL (make sure the exact URL from Salesforce is pasted into Azure), an expired or incorrectly copied Client Secret, or missing API permissions in the Azure app registration. Re-check Steps 3 and 4 carefully, and ensure you clicked "Grant admin consent" for the API permissions in Azure.
6 Steps to Set Up Files Connect
Follow these steps to connect Salesforce and SharePoint. Each step includes everything you need.
Enable Files Connect
Files Connect is disabled by default in every Salesforce org. Before anything else, you need to turn it on from the Setup menu.
- Go to the Salesforce Setup menu (gear icon → Setup)
- Search for "Files Connect" in the Quick Find box
- Toggle the setting to On
- Click Save to activate the integration
2 - Configure a Permission Set
Create a permission set, enable Files Connect Cloud within it, and assign it to yourself (and any users who need access).
- In Setup, go to Permission Sets → click New
- Name it (e.g., "FilesConnect Permissions"), choose license type → Save
- Open the permission set → System Permissions → Edit
- Enable Files Connect Cloud → Save
- Click Manage Assignments → Add Assignments → select users → Assign
3 - Create an Auth Provider for SharePoint (Azure)
Salesforce needs an authentication provider connected to Azure AD so it can securely access SharePoint on behalf of your users.
- In Setup, search for Auth Providers → New
- Choose OpenID Connect as the provider type
- Name it "SharePoint" and enter placeholder values for Consumer Key/Secret for now
- Add the Authorized Endpoint URL using your SharePoint Tenant ID
- Enter the Token Endpoint URL → Save
- Copy the Callback URL Salesforce generates - you'll need it in Step 4
4 - Register the Auth Provider in Azure
Head to portal.azure.com to create an Azure app registration that links back to Salesforce.
- Go to portal.azure.com → App Registrations → New Registration (name it "Salesforce SharePoint")
- Under Authentication → Add a Platform → Web → paste the Salesforce Callback URL
- Under API Permissions → Add Permission → SharePoint → select: All Sites Full Control, Enterprise Resource .right, My Files .right, Sites Search All
- Under Certificates & Secrets → New Client Secret → add description + expiry → copy the secret value
- Note the Application (Client) ID from the Overview page
- Back in Salesforce, update your Auth Provider: replace placeholder values with the real Client ID and Client Secret
5 - Create an External Data Source
This is where you register your SharePoint site inside Salesforce as a connected external data source.
- In Setup, search for External Data Sources → New
- Set Type to Files Connect: Microsoft SharePoint Online
- Enter your SharePoint site URL
- Choose Identity Type: Named Principal (shared login) or Per User (each user logs in individually)
- Select the Auth Provider you created (e.g., "SharePoint")
- Check Start Authentication Flow on Save → Save → complete the SharePoint sign-in prompt
6 - Validate and Sync
Run a validation to confirm the connection works, then sync your SharePoint metadata into Salesforce.
- Inside the External Data Source you just created, click Validate and Sync
- Select the SharePoint objects/libraries you want to make available
- Click Sync - Salesforce will pull in the SharePoint file structure
- Test by opening a Salesforce record → Files → Add Files → Connected Sources → select your SharePoint source
Need More Than Files Connect Offers?
Files Connect is a great starting point, but CloudFiles takes Salesforce document management further - with branded portals, document tracking, e-signature workflows, and advanced SharePoint sync. Thousands of Salesforce teams use CloudFiles to close deals faster.
Try CloudFilesFiles Connect Is a Great Start.
CloudFiles Takes You Further.
Files Connect gives you file access inside Salesforce. CloudFiles gives your team a full document management workflow - built natively for Salesforce and SharePoint.
SharePoint Sync
Two-way sync between Salesforce records and SharePoint folders. Files stay in SharePoint, visible everywhere in Salesforce.
Document Tracking
See exactly when a prospect opens a proposal, which pages they read, and how long they spent - right inside Salesforce.
Branded Portals
Share branded document portals with clients - no logins needed. Perfect for proposals, onboarding kits, and legal docs.
e-Signature Workflows
Send contracts for signature from within Salesforce. Automatically file signed documents back to the right record.
Related Resources
Everything you need to master Salesforce document management and Files Connect.
CloudFiles vs Files Connect
Comprehensive Comparison Guide to help you make the most informed decision. Choose what's best for you.
Ultimate Guide to Salesforce SharePoint Integration
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