Install SharePoint Storage Explorer
3 min read
This guide walks every step of installing SharePoint Storage Explorer on a Windows machine. The first half is the Prerequisites Setup Wizard (installs .NET, Visual C++, and Azure PowerShell as needed). The second half is the SharePoint Storage Explorer Setup Wizard itself. Allow 10 to 20 minutes from a clean machine; less if your prerequisites are already in place.
When the installer finishes, the Configuration Wizard launches automatically — see first-time configuration for that part.
Before you start
Confirm you have:
- A Windows machine where you have local administrator rights.
- An internet connection (the installer downloads prerequisites if they are missing).
- The
SharePointStorageExplorer.exeinstaller from your request-form approval email.
For a recommended fresh-VM install (32 GB RAM or more for large tenants), see Getting started.
Step 1: Request and download
Visit the SharePoint Storage Explorer product page and complete the request form. Smikar emails you an approval with the download link. Save SharePointStorageExplorer.exe to a folder you can find again.
Step 2: Launch the Prerequisites Wizard
Double-click SharePointStorageExplorer.exe. The Prerequisites Setup Wizard launches, scans your machine, and lists the components it needs:
- .NET Framework 4.7.2
- Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x86 Redistributable
- Microsoft Azure PowerShell (latest version)
Step 3: Review and proceed
Each component is marked Skip (already installed and detected) or Must Install. Click Next to begin.
Step 4: Accept the Azure PowerShell licence
If Azure PowerShell needs installing, Microsoft's own setup launches in a separate window. Read the licence agreement, tick the acceptance checkbox, and click Install. Return to the SharePoint Storage Explorer wizard when it completes.
Step 5: Welcome screen
Once the prerequisites are in place, the SharePoint Storage Explorer Setup Wizard launches with an overview. Click Next to continue.
Step 6: Accept the Smikar licence
Read the Smikar Software Licence Terms. Tick I accept the terms of this agreement and click Next.
Step 7: Choose the install folder
The default install location is C:\Program Files\SmiKar Software\SharePoint Storage Explorer\. Change it via the folder picker if you have a different convention. Confirm you have enough disk space, then click Next.
Step 8: Confirm and install
The wizard summarises your selections. Click Back to revise anything or Install to begin copying files. The install itself takes a minute or two.
Step 9: Finish
A success message appears. A reboot is recommended (cleanly clears any pending Visual C++ or .NET install state). Click Close.
What happens next
After Close, the SharePoint Storage Explorer Configuration Wizard launches automatically. This is where you register the read-only app, point the tool at your tenant, and pick scan depth. Continue with first-time configuration.
Troubleshooting
The installer says a prerequisite failed to install. Re-run the installer; the Prerequisites Wizard re-detects what is in place and only installs what is still missing. If a specific component repeatedly fails, install it directly from Microsoft's download centre and re-run.
Windows blocks the installer with a SmartScreen warning. The installer is signed by Smikar Software. Click More info and then Run anyway, or right-click the file → Properties → tick Unblock before launching.
The download link in the email has expired. Resubmit the request form, or email support@smikar.com for a fresh link.
See also
- First-time configuration — what runs immediately after install completes.
- Getting started — system requirements and orientation.
Need help? support@smikar.com.