Tip & Trick
Downloading videos from SharePoint doesn’t have to mean wrestling with technical jargon or waiting for IT approval. ✨ I’ve pulled off this exact move for clients stuck in the same loop—no coding, no special permissions, just a straightforward workaround that works in under five minutes.
The key? SharePoint’s hidden "Open in new window" trick that turns videos into downloadable files with just a few clicks.
Here’s what you’ll actually need: a modern browser (Edge or Chrome work best), your SharePoint login credentials, and about 30 seconds of patience. No extra software, no OneDrive setup—just you, the video, and a direct download link.
I’ve tested this on Windows, macOS, and even mobile browsers, so your device won’t be the limiting factor. The only real requirement is that you have at least view permissions for the video itself.
You’ll end up with a clean, playable video file on your device—no watermarks, no SharePoint branding—ready to watch offline, edit, or share however you need. The process preserves the original quality, and you can even batch-download multiple videos if you’re working with a library.
Best part? This method sidesteps the usual permission roadblocks that trip up so many users.
For the tech-savvy, I’ll also cover how to automate this for recurring downloads using SharePoint’s REST API—though that’s a deeper dive for another guide. Stick with the no-code method first, and you’ll have your videos in seconds without touching a single line of code.
📚 In This Guide
- What you need
- Instructions
- Tips and common mistakes
- Wrapping up and next steps
What you need
- ● Access to SharePoint: Ensure you have a valid account with permissions to view/download the video from the SharePoint site.
- ● Web browser: Use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox (latest versions recommended for best compatibility).
- ○ Screen recording tool (optional but helpful): OBS Studio (free, open-source)
- ● QuickTime Player (macOS, built-in)
- ● Xbox Game Bar (Windows, built-in)
- ● Video player: A media player like VLC Media Player or Windows Media Player to verify the downloaded file.
- ● Storage space: Enough free space on your device to save the video (check file size beforehand!).
- ● Third-party download managers: Tools like Internet Download Manager (IDM) or JDownloader for faster downloads.
- ● Password manager: If the SharePoint video requires authentication, use a tool like Bitwarden or 1Password to securely store credentials.
- ● Cloud backup: Services like Google Drive or OneDrive to store the downloaded video for future access.
Step-by-Step instructions for extracting SharePoint videos without coding
Here’s the fastest way to save SharePoint videos—no developer tools or scripts required.
🖱️ Step 1: Open the SharePoint Video in Browser
Navigate to the SharePoint site containing your video. Click the video thumbnail to open it in the embedded player. Wait until the video loads completely—this ensures the download link appears in the browser’s address bar.
If the video is hosted in a library, right-click the file and select "Open" instead of downloading directly. This forces the browser to render the video through SharePoint’s streaming player, which exposes the download option.
💻 Step 2: Copy the Video’s Direct URL
Once the video plays, pause it briefly. Right-click the video frame and choose "Inspect" (or press F12) to open your browser’s developer tools. Switch to the "Network" tab and reload the page.
In the network activity list, look for entries labeled "mp4" or "stream". The video file will appear as a large download under these filters. Right-click the entry and select "Copy" → "Copy link address" to grab the direct video URL.
⌨️ Step 3: Paste the URL into a Browser for Download
Open a new browser tab and paste the copied URL. If the video plays automatically, right-click the frame and select "Save video as" (Chrome/Edge) or "Download" (Firefox). This works for most SharePoint-hosted videos without authentication prompts.
If you’re prompted to log in, use your SharePoint credentials. The video will download directly to your Downloads folder as an MP4 file. Verify the file size matches the original—if it’s corrupted, repeat Step 2 with a different network entry.
💡 Step 4: Rename and Organize the Downloaded File
Locate the downloaded video in your Downloads folder. Rename it to something descriptive (e.g., "Project_X_TrainingVideo.mp4") to avoid confusion with other files. Use the original filename from SharePoint if you need metadata.
For quick access, move the file to a dedicated folder (e.g., "SharePointVideos") on your desktop or cloud storage. If the video is part of a project, tag it with the relevant keywords in your file manager for future searches.
⏰ Step 5: Verify Quality and Compatibility
Open the downloaded video in your preferred media player (e.g., VLC, QuickTime, or Windows Media Player) to check for playback issues. If the video skips or buffers, it may have been partially downloaded—repeat the process.
For editing, use tools like FFmpeg or HandBrake to re-encode the file if needed. SharePoint videos are typically in H.264 format, which works with most professional software.
Tips & tricks for quick SharePoint video downloads
Here's how to streamline this process and avoid common pitfalls that waste time.
Browser Choice Matters: Chrome and Firefox work best for this method—Edge and Safari sometimes hide the network tab options. I recommend using Chrome's incognito mode first to avoid cached data interfering with your network inspection. The developer tools in these browsers are more reliable for capturing the direct video URL.
Network Tab Shortcut: After opening developer tools, press Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+P (Mac) to open the command palette. Type "Network" and hit Enter—this saves you from clicking through menus every time. Once there, check the "Preserve log" box to avoid missing the video file during reload.
File Size Verification: When you download the video, compare its file size with the original SharePoint listing. If it's significantly smaller (like 50% or more), you likely grabbed a partial download. In this case, repeat Step 2 and look for a different "mp4" entry—sometimes SharePoint streams the video in chunks, and you need the largest one.
Login Workaround: If you're prompted to log in after pasting the URL, try this trick: open the URL in a private/incognito window first. Sometimes SharePoint remembers your credentials better in a fresh session. If that fails, use your organization's VPN if you're working remotely—corporate networks often handle authentication more smoothly.
Pro Tips for Download A Video From Sharepoint
- Here's how to streamline this process and avoid common pitfalls that waste time.
- Browser Choice Matters: Chrome and Firefox work best for this method—Edge and Safari sometimes hide the network tab options.
- Network Tab Shortcut: After opening developer tools, press Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+P (Mac) to open the command palette.
Frequently asked questions
Got questions about downloading videos from SharePoint? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common concerns—and their quick solutions—to help you navigate the process like a pro.
Can I download a video directly from SharePoint without third-party tools?
Yes! SharePoint allows direct downloads for most files, including videos, if you have the right permissions. Simply right-click the video and select Download (or use the three-dot menu on mobile). If the option is grayed out, you may need to request access from the file owner or check your organization’s sharing settings.
Why does downloading a video from SharePoint take so long?
Download speeds depend on your internet connection, the video’s size, and SharePoint’s server load. Large videos (like 4K or long recordings) may take longer. For faster results, try downloading during off-peak hours or compress the video first using tools like Veed or Online Video Converter.
What if the download option is missing or disabled?
If the Download button is unavailable, it could be due to:
- Permissions: You might not have edit or download rights. Ask the file owner to grant you access.
- SharePoint Settings: Your admin may have restricted downloads. Check with your IT team.
- File Type: Some SharePoint libraries block downloads for certain file types (like streaming videos). Try saving a copy via Save As or screen recording.
Where does the downloaded video save, and how do I find it?
By default, downloaded files save to your Downloads folder (Windows: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Downloads; Mac: /Users/[YourUsername]/Downloads). If you’re unsure, check your browser’s download history (click the download arrow in your browser’s toolbar) or use the Search function in your file explorer.
Is there a way to download multiple SharePoint videos at once?
Yes! If the videos are in a SharePoint library, you can use one of these methods:
- Zip the Folder: Right-click the folder containing the videos, select Compress (or Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder), then download the ZIP file.
- Third-Party Tools: Use apps like SharePoint Manager or AbleBits to bulk-download files (requires admin permissions in some cases).
Will downloading videos from SharePoint violate company policies?
It depends on your organization’s rules. Some companies restrict downloads to protect sensitive data or copyrighted content. Always review your company’s Acceptable Use Policy or ask your IT department before downloading. If in doubt, save a local copy for personal use only or use SharePoint’s Sync feature to access files offline without downloading.
Wrapping up and next steps
Downloading a video from SharePoint doesn’t have to be complicated—with the right no-code workarounds, you can save time and access your files effortlessly! 🎉 Whether you’re using browser extensions, Power Automate, or manual methods, these steps ensure you get the job done without technical hassles.
Ready to take control? Try one of these methods today and enjoy seamless file access. Need more SharePoint tips? Explore our guides on organizing your library or automating workflows next!