SharePoint Document Issues

Can You Disable SharePoint When Using Microsoft Teams and OneDrive?

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if it is possible to disable SharePoint while continuing to use Microsoft OneDrive and Teams for document sharing.

Can You Disable SharePoint When Using Microsoft Teams and OneDrive?

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing file storage preferences in Microsoft 365 and attempting to restrict or disable SharePoint usage for Teams files.
Observed behavior: Files uploaded to Microsoft Teams channels are automatically routed to SharePoint, prompting the user to seek a way to disable SharePoint integration without leaving their Teams.

Before you start

Understand that Microsoft 365 services are deeply interconnected; altering or attempting to remove core components like SharePoint can disrupt Microsoft Teams functionality.

Solution 1Recommended

Manage Teams File Uploads to Avoid SharePoint Storage

Since SharePoint cannot be disabled independently from Microsoft 365, you can change your file sharing habits in Teams to utilize OneDrive instead.

SharePoint is an integral part of Microsoft 365 subscriptions and serves as the backend storage infrastructure for Microsoft Teams channels. Therefore, it cannot be disabled separately.

If you want to avoid saving files to SharePoint entirely, you must adapt how you share documents within Teams by leveraging direct chats.

Use one-on-one or group chats

Share files exclusively in one-on-one or group chats instead of Teams channels. Files sent in chats are automatically saved to the sender's OneDrive for Business.

Avoid channel uploads

Do not upload files directly to the 'Files' tab or a new conversation within any Microsoft Teams channel, as this automatically triggers SharePoint storage.

Share external links in channels

If you must share a file with a channel without uploading it to SharePoint, generate a sharing link from your local drive or an external cloud service and paste that link into the channel conversation.

Manage Teams File Uploads to Avoid SharePoint Storage

Microsoft 365 Integration: Leaving a Team will stop your association with its specific SharePoint site, but it will not disable SharePoint from your Microsoft 365 account.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where are files stored if I share them in a Teams chat?

Files shared in one-on-one or group chats in Microsoft Teams are stored in the sender's OneDrive for Business, not in a channel's SharePoint site.

Can I remove SharePoint from my Microsoft 365 subscription?

No, SharePoint is a foundational service integrated into enterprise and business Microsoft 365 plans to support other apps like Teams, and it cannot be removed or disabled independently.

What happens to my files if I leave a Microsoft Team?

When you leave a Team, you lose access to the files stored in that specific Team's SharePoint site, but your personal files stored in your OneDrive for Business remain unaffected.

Document & File Issues