How to Safely Remove a SharePoint Sync Folder from File Explorer
Question details
Users need to remove a locally synced SharePoint folder from File Explorer without deleting the original files stored in the cloud.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Freeing up local storage or cleaning up the File Explorer interface by removing unneeded synchronized SharePoint folders.
- Observed behavior
- Deleting the folder directly removes files from both the local drive and the SharePoint server. The goal is to keep the cloud files intact while removing the local copy.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection so that your OneDrive sync client can properly register the stop-sync command with the SharePoint server before any local files are deleted.
Stop Synchronization Before Deleting the Local Folder
The safest method to remove a local SharePoint folder without affecting the files in the cloud is to stop the synchronization process through your OneDrive settings before deleting anything.
SharePoint relies on the OneDrive sync client to mirror files to your local File Explorer. When sync is active, any deletion on your PC is automatically replicated in the cloud.
Click the blue OneDrive cloud icon located in the Windows system tray (taskbar). Click on the gear icon and select 'Settings' from the menu.
Navigate to the 'Account' tab in the settings window. Here, you will see a list of all locations currently syncing to your computer.
Find the specific SharePoint folder you wish to remove and click the 'Stop sync' link next to it. Confirm the action if prompted.
Open File Explorer, navigate to the previously synced SharePoint folder, and delete it. Because synchronization has been stopped, this action will not delete the files on SharePoint.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I delete a SharePoint folder without stopping the sync first?
If you delete a synced folder directly from File Explorer without clicking 'Stop sync' first, the files will be simultaneously deleted from your local drive, OneDrive, and the SharePoint cloud.
Can I recover files if I accidentally deleted them from an active SharePoint sync folder?
Yes, accidentally deleted files can usually be recovered. You can log into your SharePoint or OneDrive account on the web and restore the files from the online recycle bin, provided it is within the 93-day retention period.
Will stopping the sync delete my files on the SharePoint server?
No. Stopping the sync simply severs the connection between your local PC and the cloud. Your files remain completely safe and accessible on the SharePoint server.
How can I access my SharePoint files after stopping the local sync?
After stopping the local sync, you can continue to access all your SharePoint files by logging into your organization's SharePoint portal via a web browser.
