OneDrive File Issues

How to Remove a Synced SharePoint Folder from Your Computer

Nimra Malik Oct 21, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to remove a synchronized SharePoint folder from their local computer without affecting the online files for the rest of the group.

How to Remove a Synced SharePoint Folder from Your Computer

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing local storage and stopping the synchronization of a shared SharePoint library.
Observed behavior: The user needs to safely disconnect the local folder from the cloud sync to safely remove the local copy while keeping cloud content intact.

Before you start

Ensure that all your recent local changes to the SharePoint files have finished syncing to the cloud before you stop the synchronization process to prevent any data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Stop Syncing via OneDrive Settings

Use the OneDrive account settings to stop synchronizing the SharePoint library to your local device safely.

By stopping the sync through OneDrive's settings, you sever the connection between your computer and the SharePoint cloud. This allows you to delete the local files to free up space without affecting the files available to your group online.

Locate the OneDrive icon

Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon located in your computer's system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac).

Open OneDrive Settings

Select the gear icon or 'Help & Settings' from the menu, then choose 'Settings' to open the OneDrive configuration window.

Navigate to the Account tab

In the settings window, click on the 'Account' tab to view a list of all your currently synced locations and folders.

Stop synchronization

Locate the specific synchronized SharePoint library or folder you want to remove, click the 'Stop sync' link next to it, and confirm the action when prompted.

Deleting Local Files: Stopping the sync will leave the previously downloaded files on your computer. Once the sync is stopped, you can safely navigate to the folder in File Explorer or Finder and delete it without erasing the cloud files.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting the synced SharePoint folder from my computer delete it for everyone?

If you delete the folder or files while it is still actively syncing to OneDrive, it will be deleted for everyone in the group. You must click 'Stop sync' in your OneDrive settings before deleting the local folder to ensure the cloud version remains intact.

Why is the 'Stop sync' option grayed out or missing in OneDrive?

This can happen if the OneDrive application is currently closed, your syncing is paused, or there is an active synchronization error. Try restarting the OneDrive client or resuming sync before attempting to stop the synchronization.

Can I resync the SharePoint folder to my computer later if I need it again?

Yes. You can easily resync the folder at any time by visiting the SharePoint site in your web browser, navigating to the specific document library, and clicking the 'Sync' button in the top menu bar.

Document & File Issues