SharePoint Document Issues

Can You Hide or Rename the General Folder in SharePoint?

WPS Editor Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users want to know if it is possible to hide, rename, or delete the default General folder within a SharePoint document library.

Can the General Folder Be Hidden or Renamed in SharePoint?

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Organizing files and managing folder structures within a SharePoint document library that is linked to Microsoft Teams.
Observed behavior: The General folder cannot be modified, renamed, hidden, or removed, which restricts users from customizing their root directory structure according to their business needs.

Before you start

Keep in mind that SharePoint document libraries are closely integrated with Microsoft Teams, meaning the folder structures often mirror the channels created within your connected Team.

Solution 1Recommended

Understanding the General Folder Limitations and Workarounds

The General folder is permanently tied to the default General channel in Microsoft Teams and cannot be altered.

Every Microsoft Team is generated with a default, mandatory channel named 'General'. Because this channel serves as the foundational anchor for the Team, Microsoft restricts administrators and users from deleting, hiding, or renaming it.

Consequently, the corresponding 'General' folder created in the default SharePoint document library is also locked. There is currently no built-in setting or administrative override to remove or hide this specific directory.

Adapt your folder structure

Since the General folder cannot be removed, consider using it strictly for broad, non-sensitive team announcements or onboarding documents, while organizing your specific business files in custom folders or separate channels.

Create a separate document library

If you need a completely customized root directory without the General folder, navigate to Site Contents in SharePoint and click 'New' > 'Document library'. New libraries are not tied to Teams channels by default and offer full structural control.

Submit an enhancement request

As this is a widely requested feature, organizations can navigate to the Microsoft Feedback Portal to submit or upvote enhancement requests asking for additional management options for default folders.

By Design: Microsoft designed this behavior intentionally to prevent users from accidentally breaking the file sync between the Teams interface and the SharePoint storage backend.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does every SharePoint site have a General folder?

When a SharePoint site is connected to a Microsoft 365 Group and Microsoft Teams, it automatically creates a 'General' folder in the default shared documents library. This folder acts as the storage location for all files shared within the default General channel in Teams.

Can I rename the General channel in Microsoft Teams to fix this SharePoint issue?

No. The default General channel in Microsoft Teams is permanently locked by Microsoft. It cannot be renamed, hidden, or deleted by any user, including global administrators.

Will deleting files directly inside the General folder affect Microsoft Teams?

Yes. The SharePoint General folder and the Microsoft Teams General channel's 'Files' tab are the exact same location. Any files you delete, move, or rename from SharePoint will immediately reflect those changes in Teams.

Document & File Issues