When you first create a document library in SharePoint, the platform uses the initial name you provide to generate the URL. For example, if you name your library "Resource Documents," SharePoint creates a URL like http://site/Resource%20Documents/. Even if you later change the display name of the library to something else, the underlying URL remains the same, often cluttered with those unsightly %20 characters.
Having a clean, friendly URL is not just about aesthetics; it improves user experience, makes links easier to share, and can even help with character limits in deep folder structures. In this guide, you will learn how to change a SharePoint document library URL using two proven methods: Windows Explorer and SharePoint Designer.
The Challenge with SharePoint Library URLs
By default, SharePoint separates the "Title" of a list or library from its "Internal Name" (which dictates the URL). While you can easily update the Title through the Library Settings menu, the URL is typically locked once the container is created. This often leads developers and administrators to think they must delete and recreate the library to fix a typo or a messy naming convention.
Fortunately, there are several back-door methods to modify the folder name that SharePoint uses for the URL without losing your data or version history. Before proceeding, keep in mind that changing a URL will break existing links to documents within that library, so it is best to perform these steps early in the project lifecycle.
Method 1: Using the Windows Explorer View
One of the most straightforward ways to rename a library's URL is to treat it like a standard folder in Windows. This method works well for SharePoint 2013, 2016, and 2019 environments.
Step 1: Open the Library
Navigate to the document library you wish to rename. Ensure you are viewing the library in the browser.
Step 2: Use "Open with Explorer"
In the SharePoint Ribbon, click on the Library tab. Within the "Connect & Export" group, select Open with Explorer. This will launch a Windows Explorer window mapped to your SharePoint library.
Step 3: Navigate Up
Once the Explorer window opens, you will be inside your library. Click the "Up" arrow or click the parent site name in the address bar to navigate one level up. You should now see a list of all libraries and folders within that site.
Step 4: Rename the Folder
Right-click the folder corresponding to your library and select Rename. Type in your new, friendly URL name (e.g., change "Resource Documents" to "my-resource-documents").
Old: http://site/Resource%20Documents/
New: http://site/my-resource-documents/
Step 5: Refresh and Verify
Close the Explorer window and return to your browser. Refresh the page or navigate to "Site Contents." You will notice that while the display name might remain the same, the URL in the address bar has been updated to your new folder name.
Method 2: Using SharePoint Designer (Recommended)
If you have SharePoint Designer installed, this is often the most reliable method. It allows you to see the site structure directly and ensures the rename is handled correctly by the SharePoint content database.
Step 1: Connect to Your Site
Open SharePoint Designer and open the site collection containing the library you want to modify.
Step 2: Navigate to "All Files"
This is a critical step. Do not go to the "Lists and Libraries" node in the navigation pane. Instead, click on the All Files node. This view shows the physical folder structure of the site.
Step 3: Locate and Rename
Find your document library in the file list. It will appear as a folder. Right-click the library folder and select Rename.
Step 4: Apply the Change
Type the new name for your URL and press Enter. SharePoint Designer will process the change. Once finished, the URL of the library and all the documents within it will reflect the new path.
Important Considerations and Best Practices
While renaming a library URL is technically simple, it has ripple effects across your SharePoint environment. Consider the following before making the change:
- Broken Links: Any hard-coded links in emails, bookmarks, or other documents will break. You will need to communicate the change to your users.
- Office Web Apps: Sometimes, the cache for Office Online (Word/Excel Online) takes a few minutes to recognize the new path.
- Synced Folders: If users have synced the library using OneDrive for Business, the sync will likely break, and they will need to re-sync the library to the new URL.
- Power Automate & Logic Apps: If you have workflows triggered by this library, you may need to update the site address and library name in your flow connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the URL using the SharePoint browser interface alone?
No. The standard "Library Settings" page only allows you to change the Title and Description. To change the URL, you must use one of the methods described above (Explorer, Designer, or PowerShell).
Will renaming the URL delete my document versions?
No. Renaming the folder via SharePoint Designer or Windows Explorer preserves the underlying metadata, including version history, created/modified dates, and authorship.
Does this work for SharePoint Online (Microsoft 365)?
Yes, but with caveats. "Open with Explorer" is increasingly deprecated in modern browsers. For SharePoint Online, using SharePoint Designer or the PnP PowerShell module is the preferred modern approach.
Wrapping Up
Fixing a messy SharePoint URL is a small task that pays dividends in site professionality and usability. Whether you prefer the familiarity of Windows Explorer or the precision of SharePoint Designer, you can easily transition from a URL like /Resource%20Documents/ to a clean, SEO-friendly /resources/.
Always remember to perform a quick audit of your site's navigation and any active workflows after a rename to ensure a seamless transition for your team.
