The Sync button in a SharePoint library lets you sync files to your computer using OneDrive. When the button is missing, you cannot download files for offline access or keep them updated automatically. This problem usually occurs because the library is set to a classic experience, the site is not added to OneDrive, or a browser extension blocks the sync feature. This article explains why the Sync button disappears and provides step-by-step fixes to restore it.
Key Takeaways: Restoring the Sync Button in a SharePoint Library
- Library settings > Advanced settings > Experience: Switch the library from classic to modern experience to show the Sync button.
- OneDrive sync app > Settings > Account: Unlink and relink your SharePoint site to re-enable the sync connection.
- Browser extensions or ad blockers: Disable extensions that block SharePoint scripts to make the Sync button reappear.
Why the Sync Button Is Missing From a SharePoint Library
The Sync button appears only when the library is in the modern experience and the site is connected to the OneDrive sync app. If the library uses the classic experience, the Sync button is replaced by the Open with Explorer command. Another common cause is that the site is not linked to the OneDrive sync app on your computer. The OneDrive sync app must have an active connection to the SharePoint site for the Sync button to display. Browser extensions or security policies can also hide the button by blocking the scripts that load the sync control.
Library Experience Setting
Each SharePoint library has a setting that controls whether it appears in the classic or modern interface. The modern interface includes the Sync button. The classic interface does not. If an administrator changed the library to classic or if the library was created before the modern interface was the default, the Sync button will not show.
OneDrive Sync App Connection
The OneDrive sync app must be installed and signed in with the same work or school account that has access to the SharePoint site. If the site is not listed in the OneDrive settings under Accounts, the Sync button will not appear. The sync app must also be running and up to date.
Browser or Network Restrictions
Some browser extensions, especially ad blockers and script blockers, can prevent the Sync button from loading. Corporate network policies or security software may also block the sync feature. In these cases, the button may appear briefly and then disappear, or it may never load at all.
Steps to Fix the Missing Sync Button
Follow these steps in order. After each step, refresh the library page to check if the Sync button appears.
- Switch the library to the modern experience
Go to the SharePoint library where the Sync button is missing. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner and select Library settings. Under General settings, click Advanced settings. In the List experience section, select New experience (modern). Click OK. Refresh the library page. The Sync button should now appear in the command bar at the top of the library. - Unlink and relink the site in OneDrive
Open the OneDrive sync app by clicking the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac). Click the gear icon and select Settings. Go to the Account tab. Under Accounts, find the SharePoint site that has the missing Sync button. Click Unlink this OneDrive. Confirm the unlinking. After a few seconds, click Add account and sign in with your work or school account. Browse to the SharePoint library and click Sync. The button should now be visible. - Disable browser extensions temporarily
Open your browser settings. Go to Extensions or Add-ons. Disable all ad blockers, script blockers, and privacy extensions. Refresh the SharePoint library page. If the Sync button appears, re-enable the extensions one by one to identify which one caused the issue. Keep the offending extension disabled for SharePoint sites or add an exception for your SharePoint domain. - Clear the browser cache and cookies
In your browser settings, find the option to clear browsing data. Select Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data. Choose All time as the time range. Click Clear data. Close and reopen the browser. Sign in to SharePoint again and navigate to the library. The Sync button should load correctly. - Reset Internet Explorer settings (Windows only)
Even if you use a different browser, SharePoint sometimes relies on Internet Explorer settings for the sync feature. Open Internet Explorer. Click the gear icon and select Internet options. Go to the Advanced tab. Click Reset. In the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog, select Delete personal settings and click Reset. Restart your computer. Open SharePoint in your regular browser and check the library. - Update or reinstall the OneDrive sync app
Download the latest version of the OneDrive sync app from the Microsoft website. Run the installer. If the app is already installed, the installer will update it. If problems persist, uninstall OneDrive from Control Panel or Settings, then run the installer again. Sign in with your work or school account and sync the library again.
If the Sync Button Still Does Not Appear
The Sync button is grayed out or not clickable
A grayed-out Sync button means the library is already synced on another device or the sync limit has been reached. Open OneDrive settings and check the Account tab. Look for the SharePoint site under Accounts. If it appears, click Stop sync. Then go back to the library and click Sync again.
The Sync button appears but disappears after a few seconds
This usually indicates a browser extension or a network policy that blocks the sync script. Follow the steps to disable extensions. If the problem continues, try a different browser. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox are all supported. If the button works in another browser, the original browser has an extension or setting that needs to be changed.
The library uses a custom permission or a no-sync policy
SharePoint administrators can disable sync for specific libraries using PowerShell or the SharePoint admin center. If the library has a custom permission level that does not include the Open permission, the Sync button will not appear. Contact your SharePoint administrator to check the library permissions and the tenant-level sync settings.
Library Experience vs Sync Availability: Quick Comparison
| Item | Modern Experience | Classic Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Sync button visible | Yes | No |
| Open with Explorer | Hidden by default | Available |
| OneDrive integration | Full | Limited |
| Browser compatibility | Chrome, Edge, Firefox | Internet Explorer only |
The modern experience is required for the Sync button to appear. If your organization requires the classic experience for compatibility reasons, you will not be able to use the sync button. In that case, use the Open with Explorer command or upload files through the browser.
Now you can restore the Sync button by switching the library to the modern experience and ensuring the OneDrive sync app is connected. If the button still does not appear, disable browser extensions or reset Internet Explorer settings. For persistent issues, check with your SharePoint administrator whether the library has a sync policy that blocks the feature. As an advanced tip, you can use the SharePoint admin center to verify the tenant-wide sync setting by going to Settings > Sync and checking that sync is enabled for all sites.