SharePoint Document Issues

How to Remove '- Documents' from SharePoint Folders in File Explorer

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to remove the '- documents' suffix that is automatically appended to SharePoint library folder names when synchronized to File Explorer via OneDrive.

Product: SharePoint / OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Synchronizing SharePoint document libraries to a local computer using OneDrive.
Observed behavior: SharePoint libraries synced through OneDrive appear in File Explorer with names like 'accounts - documents', 'jobs - documents', and 'quotes - documents'.

Before you start

Verify that all your current files are fully synced to the cloud before making any changes to your OneDrive sync settings to prevent accidental data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Use 'Add shortcut to OneDrive' Instead of Syncing

Since the '- documents' suffix is a hardcoded naming convention in OneDrive's traditional Sync feature, creating a shortcut provides a cleaner folder structure without the suffix.

OneDrive names synchronized folders by combining the SharePoint site name and the document-library name. Because the default library is typically named 'Documents', this results in the '- documents' suffix. This behavior cannot be changed directly, but using the shortcut feature bypasses it.

Stop Current Synchronization

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, go to Settings > Account, find the synced SharePoint library with the unwanted suffix, and click 'Stop sync'.

Delete the Local Synced Folder

Open File Explorer and delete the old synced folder to prevent confusion (ensure files were fully synced online first).

Navigate to SharePoint Online

Open your web browser, log in to Microsoft 365, and navigate to the specific SharePoint document library you want to access locally.

Add Shortcut to OneDrive

Click the 'Add shortcut to OneDrive' button located in the top command bar of the SharePoint library.

Access via File Explorer

Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder. The SharePoint library will now appear there with its native name, avoiding the standard site suffix.

Design Limitation: The '- documents' suffix is an intentional design choice by Microsoft for traditional syncing and cannot be removed directly through renaming.

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Edit Your Synced Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

While WPS Office cannot change OneDrive's folder naming rules, it serves as a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. It allows you to open, edit, and save documents directly from your synced SharePoint or OneDrive folders with ease.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and follow the installation prompts.
2. Open Your Synced Files: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and navigate to your OneDrive or SharePoint shortcut in File Explorer.
3. Edit and Save Seamlessly: Edit your documents with full format compatibility and save them directly back to the synced cloud folder.

Free and lightweight Microsoft Office alternative with a familiar interface.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Seamlessly open and edit files from synced OneDrive or SharePoint folders.Cross-platform support ensures your workflow remains uninterrupted on any device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I manually rename the synced SharePoint folder in File Explorer?

No, Windows and OneDrive restrict renaming the root synced folder. If you attempt to rename it, the action will either be blocked or it may break the synchronization connection to SharePoint.

Why does OneDrive append '- documents' to my synced folders?

OneDrive uses a specific naming convention: '[SharePoint Site Name] - [Library Name]'. Since the default document library in SharePoint is named 'Documents', it automatically adds '- documents' to the end of your site name.

Is 'Add shortcut to OneDrive' different from 'Sync'?

Yes. The 'Sync' button creates a separate organizational node in your File Explorer navigation pane. 'Add shortcut to OneDrive' places a folder link directly inside your personal or business OneDrive folder structure, allowing for greater flexibility and avoiding the forced naming convention.

Document & File Issues