Sharepoint stopped syncing with File Explorer and there's no Sync button to restart

Question

Over the last couple of days, a couple of weird folders were showing up in file explorer in the wrong place. Today, I copied a folder in Sharepoint and it didn't sync with FE. I found the instructions to reset OneDrive. That dropped the folder structure from FE and I can't get it back.

When I go to OneDrive, it claims it is sync'd, but it's only showing the Teams chat folder. When I'm in Sharepoint, the "Sync" button is not on the toolbar, so I can't click that.

How do I go about re-attaching the Documents section of a Group to File Explorer?

Answer 1

Dear ithinkfiam,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

Based on the description, you want to sync the SharePoint folders to show it in File Explorer however there is no sync button. Before moving forward, we need more detailed information about the situation you are experiencing.

Kindly share with us the information below:

• May we know what permission do you have in the SharePoint folders?
• Are you the only one cannot see the sync button in SharePoint folder or others too?
• Could you please provide a screen shots to further investigate the concern.

Suggestions:

Kindly check with your SharePoint Admin if the Sync button is allowed to be shown in SharePoint and OneDrive.

• Go to SharePoint Admin Center.
• Settings
• OneDrive > Click on Sync.

Please note that the sync button might not appear right away and it will take time to be shown.

You can also check with the Site Owner to check your permission in the library.

• Go to the folder location > Click on Ellipses button > Manage access.

• Scroll down > Click on Advance
• Check Permissions > Type the UPN and click on Check Now.

• You can ask the site owner to grant you permission at least Edit.

We look forward to your response. Thanks for your cooperation. Stay safe and healthy always.

***Note: In the event that you're unable to reply to this thread, please ensure that your Email address is verified in the Community Website by clicking on Your Account Name > "My Profile" > "Edit Profile" > Add your Email Address > tick "Receive email notifications" checkbox > click on "Save".***

Sincerely,

Zee | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 2

I had previously set up the system with the sync button that did appear. The top level set of folders is corporate wide (small company) but the main sub-folder and all below it were created by me and are controlled by me. I can add, delete, rename, etc, all files.

That shouldn't be the issue with the lack of a sync. The problem is with the entire group library.

It's a recent change, and our "IT" is on the other side of the world (again, a startup, but global). I've emailed them and we'll see what they say.

Answer 3

Hi ithinkfiam,

Thank you for posting back.

I am glad to know that you can edit, delete, rename, and other function inside the library, meaning you have the right permission.

The only thing we need to identify with your Global Admin if they disabled the Sync button.

The workaround is to create a shortcut of the folder into your OneDrive so that it will be sync in your OneDrive and you can put it in your File Explorer Quick Access.

Go to the SharePoint library and locate the folder you want to sync. Click on the Add shortcut to OneDrive.

In your OneDrive the folder will have shortcut icon and it will be synced to your OneDrive sync folder.

Open your File Explorer > Click on your OneDrive sync folder > right click on the shortcut folder > Pin to Quick access.

Thanks for your cooperation and kind understanding.

Note: changed some words for clarity. No changes on troubleshooting.

Sincerely,

Zee | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 4

Hi ithinkfiam,

Good day. I hope everything goes well on your side.

May I know if the workaround works for your while waiting for your Global Admin to check the SharePoint Admin Center Sync button options?

Please feel free to post back if you have any update and if the suggestions works for you.

Stay safe and healthy always.

Sincerely,

Zee | Microsoft Community Moderator