SharePoint/OneDrive library folder remains in File Explorer after you stop syncing it

Stopping sync on a SharePoint/OneDrive for work or school library disconnects the folder but deliberately keeps all previously synced files on disk; the folder must be deleted manually if it is no longer wanted, and re-syncing the same library later creates a new, separately numbered folder rather than reusing the old one.

RESEARCHED · Confidence 70/100

Microsoft / SharePoint / OneDrive Sync

Symptoms

A SharePoint library folder is still visible in File Explorer after using "Stop sync" for that library
Re-syncing the same library later creates a new folder with a number appended (for example, a "1" suffix) instead of reusing the original folder

Environment / applicability

Windows OneDrive sync client

SharePoint — lifecycle: current

Diagnosis

Confirm the library shows as no longer syncing: Open OneDrive Settings > Account and confirm the library is no longer listed as an active synced folder.
Expected: Confirms sync was actually stopped and this is the expected retained-folder behavior, not a stuck sync.

Root cause

This is documented, expected behavior, not a defect: when you stop syncing a folder, the folder is disconnected from its library but all files are retained on the local computer. OneDrive does not delete local copies on stop-sync, so the user or an admin policy must remove them explicitly.

Resolution

Delete the retained local folder: In File Explorer, locate the folder that was previously synced and delete it if you no longer need the local copy. You can stop syncing a whole library at a time, but not individual files or folders within it.
Expected: The local folder and its local copies are removed from the computer.
Warning: Deleting the local folder does not delete the corresponding files from SharePoint or Teams - it only removes the local copy.

Verification

Confirm the folder no longer appears in File Explorer, then confirm the library's files are still present when viewed on the SharePoint site online.

Rollback

Deleting the local folder only removes the local copy; it does not delete anything from SharePoint or Teams.

Risk

Risk level: Low · Requires admin: No

References

Stop syncing a library with the OneDrive for work or school app — Microsoft

Record metadata

ID: fx-sharepoint-0001
Created: 2026-08-17T00:00:00Z
Updated: 2026-08-17T00:00:00Z
Freshness: current