SharePoint Document Issues

How to Hide or Remove the General Folder from a SharePoint Library

Muhammad Talha Oct 16, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users want to hide, rename, or permanently delete the default General folder that is automatically created in a SharePoint document library.

How to Hide or Remove the General Folder from a SharePoint Library

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Organizing files within a SharePoint document library that is connected to a Microsoft Teams group.
Observed behavior: The General folder cannot be renamed or deleted through standard settings, and modifying the connected Team could negatively impact the SharePoint site and its content.

Before you start

Before making structural changes to your document library, verify whether your SharePoint site is actively used alongside Microsoft Teams, as the General folder is a core component required for the default Teams channel to function properly.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a Separate Document Library

Since the default 'Documents' library is hard-linked to Microsoft Teams channels, creating a new, separate document library gives you complete control over the folder structure without triggering the automatic creation of a General folder.

This is the safest and most effective workaround for organizations that require an established, rigid file structure without unwanted default folders.

Navigate to Site Contents

Open your SharePoint site and click on the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner, then select 'Site contents'.

Add a New App

Click on '+ New' at the top of the page and select 'Document library' from the dropdown menu.

Configure the New Library

Provide a name and description for your new document library, check the box to show it in site navigation if desired, and click 'Create'.

Migrate Files

Move your existing files and custom folders into this newly created library, which will not generate a default General folder.

Teams Integration: Files placed in this new standalone document library will not automatically appear in the Microsoft Teams 'Files' tab unless you manually add the new library as a tab in Teams.

Solution 2

Hide the General Folder Using Custom Views

If you must use the default document library but want to prevent the General folder from confusing your team, you can filter it out of the default view.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rename the General folder in SharePoint?

No, the General folder is permanently tied to the default 'General' channel in the connected Microsoft Teams group. SharePoint prevents renaming it to avoid breaking the file synchronization between the two platforms.

What happens if I delete the General folder from File Explorer sync?

If you manage to delete or move the General folder via Windows File Explorer or OneDrive sync, Microsoft Teams will automatically recreate an empty General folder the next time any user accesses the 'Files' tab in the General channel.

How can I avoid creating the General folder when setting up a new SharePoint site?

To avoid the automatic creation of a General folder, you should create a standalone SharePoint Communication Site or a Team Site without connecting it to a Microsoft 365 Group or Microsoft Teams.

Can I restrict user access to the General folder without deleting it?

Yes. You can manage access by hovering over the General folder, clicking the three dots (Show actions), selecting 'Manage Access', and adjusting the read/write permissions for specific SharePoint members or groups.

Document & File Issues