OneDrive File Issues

Do OneDrive Choose Folders Settings Hide Files From Everyone?

Ayan Masood Oct 13, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if unchecking a folder in OneDrive's 'Choose folders' settings removes or hides that folder for other users as well, or if it only affects the local machine.

Do OneDrive Choose Folders Settings Hide Files From Everyone?

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Configuring folder synchronization to free up local disk space without affecting shared access.
Observed behavior: Clearing folders stops synchronization and removes local visibility on the current computer, while keeping the folders accessible online and on other synchronized devices.

Before you start

Ensure that your local files have fully synced to the cloud before modifying your folder visibility settings to prevent any accidental data conflicts.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Choose Folders to Save Space Locally

Use this method to stop syncing specific folders to your current computer, which safely frees up local disk space without deleting the files from the cloud or hiding them from colleagues.

Clearing a folder in the 'Choose folders' settings affects only the local computer you are currently using. It simply removes the local copy to save hard drive space.

Your files remain completely secure in the cloud. Other users accessing the same shared SharePoint or OneDrive directories will still be able to see and edit the folders.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Windows system tray or Mac menu bar, then click the gear icon and select 'Settings'.

Navigate to the Account Tab

In the Settings window, click on the 'Account' tab to view your connected cloud storage details.

Select Folders to Hide Locally

Click the 'Choose folders' button. Uncheck the boxes next to any folders you no longer want stored on this local computer, then click 'OK'.

Files Remain Online: The folders you unchecked will immediately be removed from your File Explorer or Finder, but they will remain fully accessible via OneDrive on the web.

Solution 2

Enable OneDrive Files On-Demand Instead

If you want to free up local space but keep all folders visible in your file manager, use the Files On-Demand feature rather than hiding the folders entirely.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does unchecking a folder in OneDrive delete the files completely?

No. Unchecking a folder in the 'Choose folders' settings simply stops the sync process on that specific computer. The folder and all its contents remain safely stored in your cloud account.

Will my colleagues still be able to see shared folders if I hide them locally?

Yes. Changing your local synchronization settings has no impact on other users. Anyone who has access to the shared OneDrive or SharePoint folder will still be able to view and edit its contents.

How do I make a hidden OneDrive folder visible on my computer again?

To restore visibility, open your OneDrive Settings, navigate to Account > Choose folders, and check the box next to the folder you want to see. OneDrive will begin downloading the files and make them visible locally again.

What is the difference between choosing folders and using Files On-Demand?

Choosing folders completely removes the folder's visibility from your computer. Files On-Demand leaves the folder icon visible on your PC, but stores the actual file data in the cloud until you double-click to open it.

Document & File Issues