Disable OneDrive Hidden File/Folder Sync

Question

We use an anit-virus/malware program that uses canary files that are in hidden folders at the root of a users documents folder. If we use OneDrive to sync documents, these hidden folders are sync'd as well, and show as regular, non-hidden folders online. The folder names are jibberish, so when end users see them, and dont know what they are, they either come to me, or they delete them, only to be re-created by the anti-virus/malware program. Is there a way to disable sync of hidden files/folders?

Answer 1

Sure...here's the link to my feedback post.

https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/d640e5bc-4352-ee11-a81c-000d3ae46fcb

Answer 2

Hi Chris Roberson,

Thanks for posting back and sharing the feedback link with us.

We'll mark your reply as answer to help others find and vote on the idea more efficiently.

Best Regards,

Rhoda

Answer 3

Dear Chris Roberson,

Thanks for posting back.

If you're willing, please share the link to your feedback on the feedback site here, so that other members in this community who have similar request can find the link to vote in a more efficient way.

Welcome to post new threads in this community when you have other questions next time, we are always here to assist you.

We really appreciating your understanding and precious time. Have a good day!

Sincerely,

Rhoda | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 4

Hi Rhoda,

yes you understood my issue correctly. I submitted my feedback on the OneDrive Community as a feature request, as I couldn't find the same issue currently posted.

Thanks,

Chris

Answer 5

Dear Chris Roberson,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

As per your description, it seems that you are trying to disable OneDrive sync for Hidden files created by anti-virus program.

If the understanding above is right, as per the search and test on our side, we're afraid that there's no out of box way to achieve this in OneDrive currently. For now, we can only restrict sync by file types in OneDrive but not by folder name, sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Personally, I completely agree with you, it would be definitely ideal if we can exclude folder by name as per our needs, this is indeed a good addition to the current experience in OneDrive sync.

Given this, we'd sincerely recommend you share your valuable feedback in OneDrive Feedback Community (microsoft.com, we've also found some similar requests in the feedback site, please consider voting for the similar ideas. Your vote will increase the awareness coming from the related team.

For your reference: Add an "Excluded folders" option · Community (microsoft.com)

Exclude specific file extention with special characters from OneDrive sync · Community (microsoft.com)

Disable Onedrive backup for subfolders · Community (microsoft.com)

The Product Team is in-charge of the site, and they are constantly checking the comments and feedback from our customers. Many features have been developed or improved based on users' comment.

Sorry for the inconvenience again. Your patience and understanding are highly appreciated. Hope you stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Rhoda | Microsoft Community Moderator