Remove Synced SharePoint Site From File Explorer [Easy Steps]

If you use Microsoft SharePoint with OneDrive sync, you’ve probably noticed that your synced document libraries show up directly inside File Explorer. This is convenient when you need quick access, but over time, it can get cluttered, especially if you’ve synced multiple SharePoint sites or folders that you no longer use.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to remove a synced SharePoint folder from File Explorer using easy steps.

Remove Synced SharePoint Site/Folder From File Explorer

To remove a synced SharePoint folder from File Explorer, open the OneDrive settings, locate the synced SharePoint library under your account, and choose Stop sync. This removes the folder from File Explorer without deleting any files from SharePoint Online.

Let’s learn the complete process!

Step 1: Locate the Synced SharePoint Folder in File Explorer

Start by identifying the folder you want to remove so you are sure you are disconnecting the correct library.

Go to File Explorer > Left Navigation Pane > Your Organization Name or SharePoint Section > Synced Folder

When SharePoint libraries are synced, they typically appear with your organization’s name, followed by the site or document library name. For example, you might see something like CompanyName Documents or TeamSite Shared Files.

Click on the folder once to confirm it is the one you want to remove. You do not need to open it fully; just make sure it is the correct synced location. This step helps avoid removing the wrong library, especially if you have multiple synced folders.

Step 2: Open OneDrive Settings from the System Tray

The sync between SharePoint and your computer is managed through the OneDrive app, so you need to access its settings.

Go to Taskbar > System Tray (bottom right corner) > Click the OneDrive cloud icon > Click the gear icon > Select Settings

If you don’t immediately see the OneDrive icon, click the small upward arrow in the system tray to reveal hidden icons. The icon may appear as a white or blue cloud depending on your system theme.

Once you click Settings, a new window will open where you can manage all synced accounts and libraries connected to your device.

Step 3: Find the Synced SharePoint Library

Inside the OneDrive Settings window, you will see multiple tabs. This is where you can view all synced content.

Go to Settings Window > Account Tab > Look under Locations or Synced Libraries

Here, you will see a list of all synced accounts and SharePoint libraries. Each entry represents a connection between your PC and a SharePoint document library.

Take a moment to carefully identify the exact library that matches the folder you saw earlier in File Explorer. The names should match or be very similar.

Step 4: Stop Sync for the SharePoint Folder

Once you locate the correct SharePoint library, you can disconnect it from your computer.

Go to Account Tab > Select the SharePoint Library > Click Stop sync > Confirm your choice

When you click Stop sync, a confirmation prompt will appear asking if you’re sure you want to stop syncing this folder. Confirm the action to proceed.

This action does not delete any files from SharePoint Online. It only removes the connection between your PC and the cloud library.

Within a few seconds, the folder will disappear from File Explorer, and the sync process will stop completely.

Step 5: Verify the Folder is Removed from File Explorer

After stopping the sync, it’s a good idea to confirm that everything worked correctly.

Go to File Explorer > Left Navigation Pane > Check under your organization name

The SharePoint folder you removed should no longer appear in the list. If it’s still visible, try refreshing File Explorer or restarting your system.

In most cases, the folder disappears instantly after stopping the sync.

Step 6: Remove Leftover Local Files (Optional)

Sometimes, even after stopping sync, a local copy of the folder may remain on your computer. This depends on your sync settings.

Go to File Explorer > This PC > Locate the local folder path > Right-click the folder > Select Delete

This step is optional because stopping sync already disconnects the folder. However, if you want to free up storage space, you can safely delete the local copy.

Remember, deleting this local folder does not affect your files stored in SharePoint Online.

Step 7: Restart OneDrive if Sync Issues Persist

If the folder does not disappear or you encounter syncing glitches, restarting OneDrive can help.

Go to Taskbar > System Tray > Right click OneDrive icon > Select Close OneDrive > Open Start Menu > Search OneDrive > Launch it again

This refreshes the sync engine and clears temporary issues that might prevent changes from applying correctly.

FAQs

Does removing a synced SharePoint folder delete my files?

No, it does not delete anything from SharePoint. Your files remain सुरक्षित in the cloud and can still be accessed through your browser.

Can I re-sync the same SharePoint folder later?

Yes, you can sync it again anytime.

Go to Browser > Open SharePoint Site > Navigate to Document Library > Click Sync

This will reconnect the library to your File Explorer.

Why do SharePoint folders appear in File Explorer?

They appear because of OneDrive sync integration, which allows you to access cloud files as if they were stored locally on your PC.

What happens if I delete the folder directly from File Explorer?

If the folder is still synced and you delete files inside it, those files will also be deleted from SharePoint Online. That’s why it’s important to stop sync first before deleting anything locally.

Can I remove only one folder inside a SharePoint library?

No, SharePoint sync works at the library level, not individual folders. You must stop syncing the entire library.

Why do I still see the folder after stopping sync?

This can happen due to caching or sync delays.

Try these steps: Go to File Explorer > Refresh window> Restart your PC> Restart OneDrive.

Summary

Managing synced SharePoint folders in File Explorer is important if you want to keep your workspace clean and organized. Over time, unnecessarily synced libraries can clutter your navigation pane and slow down your workflow.

The easiest way to remove a synced SharePoint site or folder is through the OneDrive settings, where you can stop syncing any connected library in just a few clicks. This method is safe because it does not delete your files from the cloud. It only removes the local connection from your PC.

The key steps include identifying the correct folder, accessing OneDrive settings, stopping sync, and verifying the removal in File Explorer. If needed, you can also delete leftover local files to free up space.