How to stop automatically syncing SharePoint when I restart my computer

Question

I have stopped syncing a shared folder on SharePoint for Business, because it is too large and I don't need to access the files. However, when I restart my computer, SharePoint automatically re-syncs all the files in this folder and gets backed up again. Is there a setting that allows me to restart my computer without re-syncing the folders I don't need?

Answer 1

I don't know what the sync client is. How else can you access SP from the file explorer? When I go into the browser and sync documents on a site, it automatically opens my file explorer.

Answer 2

Hi Mhenry982,

When @ webbrewers3 said “sync client”, he meant the OneDrive application.

To access your SharePoint site in File Explorer without using OneDrive application, we do have a way, that is to map it as a network drive, you see more information from the following articles:

-      Map a network drive

-      Mapping a SharePoint site as a network drive

Best Regards,

Arck

Answer 3

Actually mapped drives are not the best option because when authentication fails  - for example when you reboot your pc - they have to be completely reset, every time.  I use network locations - they rarely "expire" and even if they do, it's easy to reestablish the connection. Msft doesn't suggest this option simply because it relies on active-x, which they can't seem to update or get to work with modern browsers. It's only supported in IE which of course they are desperately trying to move away from.

To create network locations go to any modern libary in IE and click view in file explorer from the view menu. Once the connection is established, you can right click file explorer and click "add a network location". I set them up for a bunch of sites and can open  / save directly via file explorer. I avoid the bugs in the sync client, and the known problems associated with duplicating files locally. It's a huge time saver for anyone who takes advantage of it.

Answer 4

Hi Mhenry982,

I’m writing this reply to follow up this case, if you have checked the above suggestions and when you got some time, please let us know which solution you prefer, your response could also help those who have the same question in this community, and I hope you are all well during this period, stay safe and take care.

Best Regards,

Arck