How to Remove Stale SharePoint Library Entries from OneDrive
Question details
The user wants to remove obsolete SharePoint library locations that remain visible in File Explorer after stopping synchronization.

- Product
- OneDrive and SharePoint
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Cleaning up the File Explorer navigation pane after a SharePoint document library is no longer actively synchronized.
- Observed behavior
- Stale SharePoint library entries persist in File Explorer or automatically reappear after adding another library to OneDrive.
Before proceeding, ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows PC, as you may need to use the Registry Editor to completely remove stubborn namespace entries.
Stop Synchronization and Remove Local Folders
The primary method to remove SharePoint libraries from File Explorer is to stop the synchronization directly within your OneDrive account settings.
Stopping the sync disconnects the local folder from the SharePoint server. Once disconnected, you must manually delete the local folder to clear it from your File Explorer view.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Windows taskbar system tray, click the gear icon, and select Settings.
Navigate to the Account tab within the settings menu to view a list of all currently synchronized OneDrive and SharePoint locations.
Find the obsolete SharePoint library in the list and click 'Stop sync' next to it.
Open File Explorer, navigate to the location of the obsolete SharePoint library, and delete the folder to remove it completely from your computer.

Remove Stale Entries via Registry Editor
If the library entries persist in the File Explorer navigation pane after stopping sync, you can manually remove them from the Windows namespace registry.
Review Organizational Sync Policies
If the stale entries return automatically after being removed, they may be enforced by an organizational synchronization policy.
Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While troubleshooting OneDrive and SharePoint synchronization issues, consider using WPS Office for your document management. It is a free, lightweight, and powerful alternative to Microsoft Office that supports built-in cloud storage integration, keeping your workflow uninterrupted.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the software on your device.
- 3. Open and Connect Cloud Storage: Launch WPS Office, open a new document, and optionally sign in to connect your preferred cloud storage for seamless saving.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do deleted SharePoint folders keep reappearing in File Explorer?
This usually happens because a company-wide IT policy is configured to automatically sync specific SharePoint libraries to your device, or because Windows has cached the folder path in the Registry. If removing the registry key doesn't work, contact your IT administrator to update the sync policies.
Does stopping sync delete my files on SharePoint?
No, clicking 'Stop sync' in your OneDrive settings only disconnects your local computer from the cloud folder. It will not delete or alter any files hosted on the online SharePoint server.
How do I safely back up the registry before deleting a namespace entry?
To back up the registry, open the Registry Editor, click 'File' in the top menu, and select 'Export'. Choose 'All' under Export range, name your backup file, and save it to a safe location like your Desktop. If something goes wrong, you can simply double-click this file to restore your registry.




