How to remove a SharePoint sub-folder from sync in File Explorer

Question

I synced a sub-folder in SharePoint, but already had the parent folder synced, now both show in File Explorer. I don't want both folders showing up in the File Explorer (what do you call these synced folders anyway?). I want the folder with the Thumbs Up emoji (parent folder) to stay, and remove the other from this navigation, while still maintaining the sync of all sub-folders.

Answer 1

Hi @Benjamin Knudsen,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum.

I'd love to provide you some insights about OneDrive Sync Folders.

Those synced folders in File Explorer are typically called "OneDrive shortcuts" or "synced document libraries" when they come from SharePoint. You can remove those folders from File Explorer by stopping their sync with your PC. For detailed steps, please refer to this article: Stop syncing a library with the OneDrive for work or school app - Microsoft Support

 

1. Select the OneDrive for work or school cloud icon in the Windows notification area at the bottom of your screen, and then select the Settings icon. Note: If the OneDrive for work or school icon  isn't visible, click the Show hidden icons button in the notification tray. If you still don't see the icon, OneDrive for work or school might not be running. Go to Start, type OneDrive in the search box, and select OneDrive for work or school.
   1. Select Settings.
2. Select Account and then select Choose folder.
   1. Select the folder you want to stop syncing, and then select OK.

When you stop syncing the sub-folder and keep only the parent folder synced, the parent folder remains visible in File Explorer under OneDrive, and all its contents including the sub-folder continue syncing because they are part of the parent library. The separate shortcut for the sub-folder will disappear from the navigation pane, eliminating duplicate entries without causing any data loss. Files in the sub-folder stay on your local machine within the parent folder path and continue syncing to SharePoint as usual. However, the access path changes, so you’ll navigate through the parent folder to reach the sub-folder (for example, from C:\Users\<You>\SubFolder to C:\Users\<You>\ParentFolder\SubFolder). You can still use the Choose folders option on the parent folder to exclude other sub-folders if needed. Keep in mind that any Quick Access pins for the sub-folder will break, shortcuts pointing to the old path will need updating, and any unique sync settings for the sub-folder such as Files On-Demand will now follow the parent folder’s settings.

 

Note: Please understand that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution. 

I hope this information is helpful. Please follow these steps and let me know if it works for you. If not, we can work together to resolve this. 

Thank you for your patience and your understanding. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. 

I'm looking forward to your reply. 

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