SharePoint Document Issues

Why SharePoint Libraries Show a 'Documents' Suffix in File Explorer

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know why synchronized SharePoint document libraries automatically append a '- Documents' suffix to their folder names in File Explorer.

Why Do SharePoint Libraries Show a 'Documents' Suffix in File Explorer?

Product: SharePoint and OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Viewing SharePoint document libraries synchronized locally through the OneDrive client.
Observed behavior: Synchronized folders appear with a default suffix, such as 'Accounts - Documents' or 'Jobs - Documents', instead of just the site name.

Before you start

Ensure your OneDrive sync client is up to date and that you are actively signed into the Microsoft account associated with your SharePoint access.

Solution 1Recommended

Understand OneDrive Sync Naming Conventions

Learn how OneDrive automatically constructs folder names using both the SharePoint site name and the specific document library name.

By design, when you synchronize a SharePoint document library using the OneDrive client, it generates the local folder name in File Explorer using the format: '[Site Name] - [Library Name]'.

Because the default library on most SharePoint sites is simply named 'Documents', the resulting synchronized folder will always append the '- Documents' suffix (e.g., 'Accounts - Documents'). This helps differentiate multiple libraries synced from the exact same SharePoint site.

Verify the SharePoint Site Name

Open your web browser, navigate to your SharePoint site, and check the site's exact title in the top navigation bar.

Check the Document Library Name

Click on 'Site contents' from the left-hand menu and verify the name of the library you are syncing. It is typically named 'Documents'.

Compare with Local Folder

Open File Explorer and match the '[Site Name] - [Library Name]' format to your synced folder. If the naming format deviates from this expected structure, take a screenshot of the anomaly to share with your IT administrator.

Understand OneDrive Sync Naming Conventions

Cannot Rename Locally: Do not attempt to rename the synchronized folder directly in File Explorer to remove the suffix. Doing so will break the synchronization link with the SharePoint server.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Open Your SharePoint Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

While you cannot change OneDrive's folder naming structure, you can upgrade your document editing experience. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft Office that allows you to seamlessly open, edit, and save files directly from your synced SharePoint folders.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your Windows PC.
2. Locate Synced Folder: Open File Explorer and navigate to your SharePoint synced folder (e.g., 'Accounts - Documents').
3. Edit and Save: Double-click any document to open it in WPS Office. Your edits will be saved locally and automatically synced back to SharePoint via OneDrive.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight architecture ensures documents open instantly from your synced SharePoint folders.Familiar tabbed user interface allows for a seamless, zero-learning-curve migration.Free alternative that perfectly handles all your daily Word, Excel, and PowerPoint tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I manually remove the '- Documents' suffix in File Explorer?

No, manually renaming the synced folder in File Explorer is highly discouraged. Doing so will break the OneDrive synchronization link between your local computer and the SharePoint online library.

How can I change the name of the synced folder permanently?

Because the folder name is derived from the SharePoint site and library name, a SharePoint administrator must rename the actual document library or site online. Once changed, users will need to stop syncing and re-sync the library to reflect the new name.

Why do some of my synced folders not have the '- Documents' suffix?

If a SharePoint site contains custom document libraries with different names (such as 'Invoices' or 'Assets'), the synced folder will use that specific library's name as the suffix instead of the default 'Documents'.

Will un-syncing and re-syncing remove the suffix?

No. As long as the document library is named 'Documents' on the SharePoint server, re-syncing it will recreate the folder locally with the exact same '- Documents' suffix.

Document & File Issues