How to Remove a SharePoint Library From OneDrive Sync

When you sync a SharePoint document library to your computer using OneDrive, files are stored locally and updated automatically. Over time, you may want to stop syncing a library to free up disk space or remove clutter from File Explorer. This article explains the exact steps to remove a SharePoint library from OneDrive sync without deleting the original files on SharePoint. You will learn the correct method for both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and what happens to your local files after you stop syncing.

Why Stop Syncing a SharePoint Library?

When you sync a SharePoint library to OneDrive, every file and folder in that library is copied to your local computer. This allows offline access and real-time updates. Over time, synced libraries can consume significant hard drive space, especially if the library contains large files like videos or design assets. You might also have multiple synced libraries that clutter your File Explorer sidebar. Stopping sync removes the local copy but leaves the original files intact on SharePoint. No other site members lose access to the library when you stop syncing.

OneDrive for Windows includes a built-in sync management interface. You can use it to stop syncing individual SharePoint libraries without affecting other synced folders or your personal OneDrive. The process is the same for Windows 10 and Windows 11, though the visual layout may differ slightly.

Steps to Remove a SharePoint Library From OneDrive Sync

Follow these steps to stop syncing a SharePoint library using the OneDrive settings panel. This method works for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

1. Open OneDrive Settings
   Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar notification area. Select Settings from the menu. If you do not see the icon, click the up arrow to show hidden icons.
2. Go to the Account tab
   In the OneDrive settings window, click the Account tab. This tab shows your connected accounts and synced folders.
3. Choose the library to stop syncing
   Under the Sync and backup section, click Choose folders. A list of all synced folders appears. This list includes your personal OneDrive folders and any SharePoint libraries you have synced.
4. Uncheck the SharePoint library
   Find the SharePoint library you want to remove. Clear the check box next to its name. Do not uncheck your personal OneDrive folders unless you want to stop syncing them too.
5. Confirm the change
   Click OK. OneDrive displays a warning message: “These folders will no longer sync to this computer. The online files will not be affected.” Click Stop sync to confirm.
6. Wait for sync to complete
   OneDrive removes the local folder. This process may take a few minutes depending on the number of files. The SharePoint library disappears from File Explorer under the OneDrive section.

What Happens to Your Local Files After Stopping Sync?

After you stop syncing a SharePoint library, OneDrive deletes the local copy of the files from your computer. The files remain in the SharePoint library online. You can still access them through a web browser or by syncing the library again later.

If you have unsaved changes in files that were syncing, OneDrive will attempt to upload those changes before removing the local folder. In rare cases where a file cannot be uploaded, OneDrive leaves a copy of the file in a folder called “OneDrive – [Your Organization]” on your desktop. You can manually upload that file to SharePoint later.

Alternative Method: Stop Sync From File Explorer

You can also access the sync management interface directly from File Explorer.

1. Open File Explorer
   Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
2. Right-click the OneDrive icon
   In the left navigation pane, right-click the OneDrive icon. Select Manage sync from the context menu. This opens the OneDrive settings window to the Account tab.
3. Follow steps 3 through 6 above
   Uncheck the SharePoint library and confirm the stop-sync action.

Pause Sync vs Stop Sync

OneDrive offers two related but different actions: pause sync and stop sync. Pause sync temporarily halts file synchronization for a set duration, such as 2 hours or 24 hours. Files remain on your computer and in the cloud, but no changes are exchanged. Stop sync removes the local folder entirely. Use pause sync when you need to free up network bandwidth temporarily. Use stop sync when you no longer need the library on your computer.

Common Issues After Stopping Sync

The SharePoint library reappears in File Explorer after a restart

If the library reappears, the stop-sync action did not complete. Open OneDrive settings again and verify the library is unchecked. Also check if you have multiple OneDrive accounts connected. Repeat the stop-sync steps for the correct account.

Files are missing from SharePoint after I stopped sync

Stopping sync does not delete files from SharePoint. If files appear missing, check the SharePoint site recycle bin. Someone may have deleted the files accidentally. Also verify you are looking at the correct library and site.

I cannot find the SharePoint library in the Choose Folders list

The library may already be unsynced. Open File Explorer and look in the OneDrive section. If the library is not listed there, it is not syncing. If the library is listed but missing from the Choose Folders dialog, try restarting OneDrive. Right-click the OneDrive icon and select Close OneDrive, then launch it again from the Start menu.

Stop sync button is grayed out

This occurs when OneDrive is syncing files. Wait for the sync to finish. If the button remains grayed out, restart OneDrive and try again.

Stop Sync via OneDrive on the Web

You can also stop syncing a SharePoint library from the OneDrive website. This method is useful if you are away from your computer or want to stop sync on multiple devices.

1. Go to OneDrive on the web
   Open a browser and sign in to onedrive.live.com with your work or school account.
2. Open Settings
   Click the gear icon in the upper-right corner, then select Options.
3. Go to Sync
   In the left pane, click Sync.
4. Stop sync for the library
   Under Sync relationships, find the SharePoint library you want to remove. Click Stop sync next to it. Confirm the action.

Stop Sync vs Unlink SharePoint Library

Item	Stop Sync	Unlink SharePoint Library
Local files	Deleted from computer	Deleted from computer
Online files	Not affected	Not affected
OneDrive account	Remains connected	Disconnects account entirely
Other synced libraries	Not affected	All synced libraries stop syncing
When to use	Remove one library	Remove all syncs for the account

Conclusion

You can now remove any SharePoint library from OneDrive sync using the OneDrive settings panel or the web interface. The process takes less than a minute and leaves the original files untouched on SharePoint. If you need to stop syncing all libraries at once, consider unlinking your OneDrive account instead. After stopping sync, remember that any new files added to the SharePoint library will not appear on your computer until you sync the library again.