OneDrive File Issues

What Happens When You Deselect the OneDrive Documents Folder?

Guest Writer Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to understand the consequences of deselecting the Documents folder in OneDrive's sync settings, specifically regarding whether it restricts folder access for family members.

What Happens When You Deselect the OneDrive Documents Folder?

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A user is trying to restrict a family member's access to only one specific folder on a shared or family account by using the 'Choose folders' feature.
Observed behavior: Deselecting a folder stops it from synchronizing locally and hides it from File Explorer, but it remains available online and does not change actual cloud storage or sharing permissions.

Before you start

Before modifying your OneDrive folder sync settings, ensure that any recent local changes to your files have completely finished uploading to the cloud to prevent accidental data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Sharing Permissions to Restrict Access

Since folder sync settings do not control security, you must adjust sharing permissions to restrict a family member's access to specific folders.

The 'Choose folders' feature only controls which files are downloaded and visible on a specific device. It does not act as a security measure or permission barrier. If you want to restrict a family member to only one folder, you must manage access directly through OneDrive's sharing settings on the web.

Open OneDrive Online

Navigate to the OneDrive website in your browser and sign in with the primary Microsoft account.

Access Folder Sharing Settings

Locate the folder you want to restrict, right-click on it, and select 'Manage Access' from the context menu.

Modify User Permissions

Find the family member's account in the access list. Change their permissions to 'Stop sharing' for folders they shouldn't see, and ensure they only have access to their designated folder.

Use Sharing Permissions to Restrict Access

Cloud Availability: Remember that deselecting a folder in the desktop app only hides it locally; the folder remains fully accessible online to anyone who has not been explicitly removed from the sharing permissions.

Solution 2

Deselect Folders to Free Up Local Space

Use this method if your goal is simply to remove the Documents folder from your local File Explorer and free up hard drive space.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does deselecting a OneDrive folder delete my files?

No, deselecting a folder only removes it from your local computer's File Explorer. The files remain safe and accessible in your online OneDrive cloud storage.

How can I access a folder I previously deselected in OneDrive?

You can access any deselected folders by logging into OneDrive.com via your web browser. Alternatively, you can open OneDrive's 'Choose folders' settings on your desktop and re-check the folder to sync it to your PC again.

Can I use OneDrive sync settings to hide files from other users on the same computer?

No. The 'Choose folders' option controls local sync visibility, but it is not a security feature. If the user logs into the OneDrive website or if they share the same Windows user profile, they may still access the files. Always use specific OneDrive sharing permissions to securely restrict access.

Document & File Issues