SharePoint Document Issues

How to Archive a SharePoint Folder for an Archived Teams Channel

Bushra Parveen Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to archive or restrict access to a SharePoint folder associated with a Microsoft Teams channel that has already been archived.

How to Archive a SharePoint Folder for an Archived Teams Channel

Product: Microsoft SharePoint and Teams
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A Microsoft Teams channel is archived, and the user expects the associated document files to be archived as well.
Observed behavior: The corresponding SharePoint folder remains visible and fully editable in the document library even after the Teams channel is archived.

Before you start

Ensure you have owner or admin permissions in Microsoft Teams and SharePoint to modify channel statuses and document library access rights.

Solution 1Recommended

Make the SharePoint Folder Read-Only During Archival

Use the built-in Microsoft Teams archiving option to lock the SharePoint folder against edits.

By design, archiving a Teams channel does not automatically hide or archive its corresponding SharePoint folder. Because SharePoint currently lacks a standalone folder archive feature, the best practice is to restrict members from making further changes by setting the folder to read-only.

Access Manage Team Settings

Open Microsoft Teams, locate the specific team containing the channel, click the 'More options' (three dots) icon next to the team name, and select 'Manage team'.

Initiate Channel Archival

Navigate to the 'Channels' tab, find the active channel you wish to archive, click the 'More options' (three dots) next to the channel name, and select 'Archive channel'.

Apply Read-Only Permissions

In the pop-up confirmation dialog, carefully check the box labeled 'Make the SharePoint folder read-only for team members' before clicking the 'Archive' button.

Make the SharePoint Folder Read-Only During Archival

Already archived the channel?: If you already archived the channel without checking this box, you will need to restore the channel first, and then archive it again with the box checked, or manually adjust the folder permissions directly in SharePoint.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management

Dealing with complex SharePoint permissions and Teams integrations can be time-consuming. If you are looking for a simplified, offline-friendly way to manage and edit your files, WPS Office offers a lightweight and powerful alternative. Easily open, edit, and save your documents without worrying about cloud sync limitations.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
3. Manage Your Documents: Open WPS Office to access, edit, and organize all your local and cloud-based documents from one unified dashboard.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.Lightweight desktop application that works seamlessly offline and online.Streamlined document management without complex site permission rules.Familiar tabbed user interface with a virtually zero learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my SharePoint folder still editable after archiving the Teams channel?

Microsoft Teams and SharePoint operate somewhat independently. Archiving the Teams channel only stops conversations and activities within Teams. The SharePoint folder remains active unless you explicitly check the 'Make the SharePoint folder read-only' option during the Teams archiving process.

Can I hide the archived folder from the SharePoint document library?

SharePoint does not have a native 'archive' or 'hide' button for individual folders. To remove it from standard view, you must manually move the folder to a separate archive document library or change the folder's item-level permissions so standard members cannot see it.

How do I request a dedicated folder archiving feature in SharePoint?

You can submit feature requests directly to Microsoft through the official SharePoint and Microsoft Teams feedback portals. Detailing your specific use case for archiving folders separately helps the development team prioritize future updates.

Document & File Issues