Un-Syncing a SharePoint Site/Folder

Issue/Question
  • How do I remove a synced SharePoint library or folder?

Overview

If you sync a site, then later decide you want to un-sync it, it is a TWO step process to undo the sync.

Note: You will see synced SharePoint folders in your file explorer under a building icon that says Dakota State UniversityNever delete a folder directly from file explorer without stopping the sync first. If you delete the folder, it will delete it the entire folder from the SharePoint server!

Please contact the Support Desk if you would like assistance with these steps. 

Environment

  • SharePoint Server

  • File Explorer

  • OneDrive

Resolution

Stop the sync:

  1. Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray and choose Help & Settings.
     
  2. Go to the Account tab. You will see all SharePoint folders that are syncing to your computer. Find the folder you want to remove and click Stop sync. If you have more than one folder that you want to remove, click Stop sync for each one. You will get a notification that the folder will stop syncing, Click Stop sync.
     
  3. In file explorer, you will see the status of the folder no longer has a cloud, a green checkmark, or a sync icon. As long as the icon is gone, you can safely delete the files from your computer without deleting them from the cloud.