Is there a way to ignore instead of block files types from Syncing in OneDrive?

Question

I know how to block files from Syncing in OneDrive, but is there a way to just ignore the files from syncing instead of blocking and presenting a popup saying the file type is not allowed?

Answer 1

Yes, you can configure OneDrive to ignore certain file types instead of blocking them outright. By using the EnableODIgnore setting, you can specify keywords or file patterns that the OneDrive sync app will ignore during the upload process. This means that files matching the specified criteria will not be uploaded, but they will remain in the local OneDrive folder without presenting a popup or error message to the user.

In File Explorer, these ignored files will appear with an "Excluded from sync" icon, and users will see a message in the OneDrive activity center explaining why the files aren't syncing. This approach allows for more flexibility compared to blocking, as users can still access and manage the files locally.

To implement this, you would typically set the keywords in the configuration for the OneDrive sync app.

---

References:

• Plan file sync for SharePoint and OneDrive in Microsoft 365
• IT Admins - Use OneDrive policies to control sync settings
• Plan compliance requirements for SharePoint and OneDrive
• Deploy and configure the OneDrive sync app for Mac
• Set-SPOTenantSyncClientRestriction

Answer 2

Hi @Joseph Anderson,

 

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

Thank you for your question about ignoring files in OneDrive without triggering error messages. I understand the need for a silent approach, and here’s what you should know:

Currently, OneDrive does not offer a built-in feature to silently ignore specific file types. The default option is to block file types, which shows a notification when those files are detected.

However, there are some alternatives you can use:

Option 1: Exclude folders from sync

If the files you want to ignore are grouped in certain folders:

1/ Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.

2/ Select Settings > Account > Choose folders.

3/ Uncheck any folders that contain files you don’t want synced.

This prevents those files from syncing without generating error messages.

 

Option 2: Move files outside OneDrive

For individual files:

1/ Create a folder outside the OneDrive directory (e.g., on your local drive).

2/ Move files you don’t want synced into that folder.

This ensures they remain local and avoids sync issues entirely.

 

Option 3: Use Group Policy or Intune (Silent Exclude)

If you manage devices via Group Policy or Microsoft Intune, you can configure the policy:

Exclude specific kinds of files from being uploaded this silently prevents syncing of listed file types without showing pop-ups.

1/ In Intune: Create a configuration profile > Administrative Templates > OneDrive > Enable Exclude specific kinds of files from being uploaded > Enter file extensions (e.g., *.pst, *.exe).

2/ In Group Policy: Update OneDrive ADMX > Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > OneDrive > Enable the same policy and specify file patterns.

Unlike the SharePoint “Block upload” setting, this method skips uploading files quietly and keeps them local.

 

Option 4: Submit feedback

I completely understand that not having the option to silently ignore file types can feel limiting, especially for scenarios where workflow flexibility is important. OneDrive currently prioritizes simplicity and policy enforcement, but your feedback truly matters.

You can share your suggestion directly with the product team:

You can do this in OneDrive by selecting Help > Feedback, or through the Microsoft 365 Feedback Hub > Send Feedback > Describe your proposal in detail so the team can consider it for future improvements.

As a forum moderator, I can’t change product behavior, but once you submit feedback, feel free to share the link here. I’ll gladly upvote it to help bring more visibility.

Additionally, since many other users have expressed similar concerns but may not know where to submit feedback, if my response has helped you better understand the situation and guided you toward a possible next step, please mark it as the “Accepted Answer.” Your action will help pin this post to the top, making it easier for others in the community who are experiencing the same issue to find your feedback and support it.

Thank you for your kindness and contributions to the forum.

---

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread