OneDrive File Issues

How to Remove Old SharePoint Folders from Mac Finder

Guest Writer Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to clear old SharePoint folders from Mac Finder after deleting the connected Microsoft 365 account.

How to Remove Old SharePoint Folders from Finder on Mac

Product: Microsoft OneDrive / SharePoint
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Cleaning up Finder sidebar and local storage after disconnecting a Microsoft 365 account.
Observed behavior: SharePoint folders previously synchronized via OneDrive remain visible in Mac Finder even though the connected account has been deleted.

Before you start

Ensure you have backed up any unsynced or important local files from these folders to another location on your Mac before stopping the sync or resetting the application.

Solution 1Recommended

Stop Sync and Unlink the Microsoft Account

Use the OneDrive preferences menu to manually stop syncing the specific SharePoint libraries and unlink your old account to safely remove the folders.

By design, OneDrive leaves a local copy of synchronized folders on your Mac when an account is disconnected to prevent accidental data loss. You must properly stop the sync before moving these folders to the Trash.

Open OneDrive Preferences

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac's menu bar, click the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, and select 'Preferences'.

Stop Syncing the Folders

Navigate to the 'Account' tab. Locate the SharePoint library you want to remove and click 'Stop Sync' next to it.

Unlink the Account

If the entire Microsoft 365 account is no longer needed, click 'Unlink this Mac' on the same Account tab to completely sever the connection.

Delete the Local Folders

Open Finder, navigate to the location of the old SharePoint folders, right-click them, and select 'Move to Trash'.

Stop Sync and Unlink the Microsoft Account

Safe Deletion: Once the sync is stopped and the account is unlinked, deleting the folder from your Mac will not delete the files from the live SharePoint site.

Solution 2

Reset OneDrive for Mac

If stopping the sync does not work or the folders are stuck in Finder, resetting the OneDrive app will clear all cached configurations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do SharePoint folders stay in Finder after deleting the OneDrive app?

Deleting the OneDrive application only removes the software, not the local data it already downloaded. The SharePoint folders remain in Finder to protect your files from accidental loss. You must manually drag them to the Trash.

Will deleting the SharePoint folder from Finder delete files for everyone else?

If you have already clicked 'Stop Sync' or unlinked your account, deleting the local folder will not affect the files on the cloud. However, if the folder is still actively syncing, deleting files locally will also delete them from the shared SharePoint site.

How do I remove the SharePoint icon from the Mac Finder sidebar?

Right-click or Control-click the old SharePoint folder icon in your Finder sidebar and select 'Remove from Sidebar'.

Can I reconnect to a SharePoint library after removing it?

Yes. You can reconnect by logging into your Microsoft 365 account via a web browser, navigating to the specific SharePoint library, and clicking the 'Sync' button to add it back to OneDrive and your Mac Finder.

Document & File Issues