How to Change the Location of a SharePoint Sync Folder
Question details
The user needs to change the default local storage drive or folder where a SharePoint library is synced.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Synchronizing SharePoint document libraries to a local machine to save space on the default C: drive.
- Observed behavior
- SharePoint libraries automatically sync to the user's OneDrive folder on the C: drive by default, and there is no direct setting within the SharePoint interface to modify this destination.
Ensure that all your currently syncing files have finished uploading to the cloud (indicated by a solid green checkmark or cloud icon) to prevent data loss before you unlink your account.
Change Sync Location by Unlinking and Relinking OneDrive
Since SharePoint uses the OneDrive sync client, the most effective way to change the local sync destination is by unlinking your account and selecting a new folder during the setup process.
Microsoft does not provide a one-click button to move an active sync folder. You must safely disconnect the current connection, optionally move your existing downloaded files to save bandwidth, and then establish a new connection pointing to your preferred drive.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system taskbar, click the gear icon (Help & Settings), and select 'Settings'.
Navigate to the 'Account' tab within the settings window and click the 'Unlink this PC' link. Confirm your choice when prompted.
Open File Explorer, find your current SharePoint/OneDrive sync folder on the C: drive, and move it to your desired new location (e.g., a D: drive). This step prevents having to re-download all files from the cloud.
The OneDrive setup screen should appear automatically after unlinking. Enter your work or school email address to sign back in.
When you reach the 'Your OneDrive folder' screen, do not click Next immediately. Instead, click the 'Change location' link and browse to the new drive or folder you created.
Finish the OneDrive setup wizard. If your SharePoint libraries do not appear automatically, open your SharePoint site in a web browser, navigate to your document library, and click the 'Sync' button.
Edit Your Synced SharePoint Documents with WPS Office
While you manage your SharePoint and OneDrive sync locations, you can seamlessly open, edit, and collaborate on those locally synced Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files using WPS Office—a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite from the official website.
- 2. Locate Synced Files: Open File Explorer and navigate to your newly configured SharePoint sync folder.
- 3. Open Seamlessly: Right-click any synced document, choose 'Open with', and select WPS Office to begin editing your cloud documents locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move the SharePoint sync folder without unlinking OneDrive?
No, Microsoft requires you to unlink your PC and re-select the folder location during the setup wizard to properly re-establish the sync destination.
Will changing the sync location delete my files from SharePoint?
No, unlinking your PC only severs the local connection. Your files remain completely safe in the SharePoint cloud. Re-syncing will simply verify or download the files to the new local destination.
Can I sync SharePoint libraries to an external hard drive?
Yes, you can choose an external drive during the 'Change location' step. However, the drive must be formatted as NTFS, and if you disconnect the drive while OneDrive is running, you may encounter sync errors.
Why is the 'Change location' link missing during setup?
This typically occurs if your company's IT administrator has set a Group Policy or Intune restriction that forces OneDrive and SharePoint data to remain in a specific default directory.
