SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix SharePoint Folder Sync Error: Path Is Too Long

Emma Brown Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to synchronize a SharePoint folder using OneDrive because the file path exceeds the supported length limits.

How to Fix a SharePoint Folder That Cannot Sync Because the Path Is Too Long

Product: SharePoint / OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sync a SharePoint document library or deeply nested folder to a local PC using the OneDrive sync client.
Observed behavior: OneDrive refuses to synchronize the affected folder and displays an error indicating that the file path is too long.

Before you start

Verify the current folder structure in your SharePoint library online. Windows and OneDrive typically enforce a 260-character limit for file paths, so deeply nested folders or extremely long file names must be reorganized.

Solution 1Recommended

Stop Syncing and Shorten the File Path

Because OneDrive does not allow you to exclude specific subfolders from a synced SharePoint library, you must stop syncing the entire library, shorten the paths, and then sync again.

To resolve the path limit issue, you need to work with the library owner to move the problematic files to a higher-level folder. Selective synchronization of subfolders is not supported, meaning the entire directory structure must comply with the path length limits.

Stop syncing the current library

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, select the gear icon to open 'Settings', navigate to the 'Account' tab, and click 'Stop sync' next to the affected SharePoint library.

Remove the local folder

Open File Explorer, locate the previously synced SharePoint folder (which will now have a regular folder icon instead of a building icon), and delete it to remove the localized path issue.

Shorten the directory path

Ask the SharePoint library owner to move the deeply nested folders and files to a higher-level directory, or shorten the names of the folders to reduce the overall character count.

Re-sync the library

Once the file paths have been shortened, go back to the SharePoint online library in your web browser and click the 'Sync' button to start syncing the optimized folder structure to your PC.

Selective Sync Limitation: OneDrive does not provide a built-in option to disable synchronization for selected subfolders within a SharePoint library. You must sync the chosen level and all of its contents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose to sync only specific subfolders in a SharePoint library?

No, OneDrive does not support selective synchronization of subfolders within a synced SharePoint library. Once you click sync on a folder, all its contents and subfolders will be synchronized. To avoid syncing certain files, they must be moved to a different library or higher-level folder.

What is the maximum file path length for OneDrive and SharePoint?

Historically, Windows systems and the OneDrive sync app enforce a 260-character limit for the entire file path, which includes the drive letter, folder names, file name, and extension. Exceeding this limit prevents synchronization.

Is there a way to bypass the sync limitation without moving files?

If you cannot shorten the file paths, you can access the files directly through the SharePoint web interface. Alternatively, you can use the 'Add shortcut to OneDrive' feature instead of 'Sync', though this still relies on Windows Explorer path limits when opening files locally.

Document & File Issues