OneDrive File Issues

Fix SharePoint Deleted Folders Reappearing After OneDrive Sync

Khadija Khan Oct 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

Deleted folders in a SharePoint document library are reappearing as empty folders when an offline user reconnects and OneDrive synchronizes.

How to Fix SharePoint Deleted Folders Reappearing After OneDrive Sync

Product: SharePoint and OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A user deletes folders in a shared SharePoint library, but when an offline team member reconnects to the internet, OneDrive synchronizes and restores them.
Observed behavior: The previously deleted SharePoint folders unexpectedly reappear as empty folders during the OneDrive synchronization process.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and ask all team members syncing the affected SharePoint library to temporarily pause their synchronization to prevent further conflicts.

Solution 1Recommended

Update the OneDrive Sync Client to the Latest Version

Running an outdated version of OneDrive on any user's device can cause sync glitches, such as resurrecting deleted folders.

Because SharePoint folders are often synced across multiple users, a single user with an outdated sync client can push outdated folder states back to the cloud when they reconnect.

Check the current version

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, select the Settings gear icon, and go to the About tab to see your current version.

Download the latest release

Visit the official Microsoft OneDrive release notes web page and download the latest production ring installer.

Install the update

Run the downloaded installer on all affected devices syncing the SharePoint document library, especially those that frequently go offline.

Update the OneDrive Sync Client to the Latest Version

Solution 2

Reset the OneDrive Synchronization App

If updating doesn't resolve the issue, resetting the OneDrive app will force a full sync and clear out cached folder states that might be causing the ghost folders.

Solution 3

Open a Microsoft Support Ticket

If multiple users are affected and local troubleshooting fails, the Microsoft 365 administrator needs to escalate the issue for deeper backend investigation.

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Try WPS Office for Seamless Cloud Document Management

If you are experiencing ongoing sync issues with Microsoft services, consider exploring WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative with robust built-in cloud document handling capabilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do deleted folders keep coming back in SharePoint?

This usually happens when an offline user reconnects to the internet and their outdated or malfunctioning OneDrive sync client pushes the old folder state back to the SharePoint server, overriding your recent deletion.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my local files?

No, resetting OneDrive does not delete any of your personal files or data. It simply disconnects and reconnects the synchronization engine, prompting OneDrive to perform a full check of your files against the cloud.

How can I prevent sync conflicts with shared document libraries?

Ensure all users actively working in the document library are running the latest version of the OneDrive sync client. It is also good practice to communicate with team members before making extensive folder structure changes.

Document & File Issues