Stop OneDrive and Google Drive from Deleting Shared Files
Question details
The user needs to prevent OneDrive and Google Drive from deleting shared files when both services synchronize the same local folder on their computer.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Synchronizing local files with multiple cloud storage services simultaneously.
- Observed behavior
- Deleting a file via Google Drive automatically removes it from OneDrive (and vice versa) because both cloud services are tracking and syncing the exact same local directory.
Before modifying your cloud sync locations, copy your important shared files to an independent local folder on your computer to ensure you do not lose any data during the transition.
Separate the Sync Folders for OneDrive and Google Drive
Assigning distinct local folders to OneDrive and Google Drive is the most reliable way to prevent cross-deletions and synchronization conflicts.
Even if OneDrive appears on your desktop and Google Drive appears in Finder, their underlying physical paths may be identical. Giving each cloud service its own dedicated local folder prevents sync conflicts.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your menu bar, select the gear icon to open Preferences or Settings, navigate to the Account tab, and click "Unlink this Mac" or "Unlink this PC".
Open Finder or File Explorer and create two clearly named, separate folders on your hard drive, such as "OneDrive_Sync" and "Google_Drive_Sync".
Sign back into OneDrive. When prompted to choose a folder location during the setup process, select the new "OneDrive_Sync" folder you just created.
Open your Google Drive preferences, disconnect the currently synced folder, and point the synchronization exclusively to your new "Google_Drive_Sync" folder.
Pause OneDrive Syncing Temporarily
If you must temporarily use the same folder location, you can pause synchronization on one service before making file modifications on the other.
Avoid Microsoft Ecosystem Sync Issues with WPS Office
Sync conflicts between Microsoft OneDrive and third-party cloud apps can jeopardize your important documents. Try WPS Office as a lightweight, powerful alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers extensive format compatibility, an intuitive interface, and seamless document management free from complex OS-level folder sync conflicts.
- 1. Download and install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free software for your operating system.
- 2. Open your existing documents: Launch WPS Office and seamlessly open your existing DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX files directly from your preferred local folder without formatting loss.
- 3. Utilize WPS Cloud: Enable WPS Cloud within the application to securely sync and backup your documents independently from other conflicting cloud drive clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my folders look like they are in different locations when they are not?
Shortcuts or aliases on your Desktop or in Finder might point to the exact same underlying system directory. To confirm whether they overlap, you must check the actual file path configured in the preference settings of both OneDrive and Google Drive.
Can I sync the exact same folder with two different cloud services?
While technically possible, doing so is highly discouraged. Running two synchronization engines on the same set of files inevitably causes file duplication, synchronization errors, and accidental cross-deletions.
How do I access Google Drive sync settings to change its folder location?
Click the Google Drive icon in your system menu bar, click the gear icon to access Settings or Preferences, and navigate to the local folder configuration options to specify a new, dedicated synchronization folder.
