How to Remove a Synced Folder from File Explorer
In today’s digital age, synchronization between devices is a common practice to ensure that your files are always up-to-date. However, there may come a time when you need to remove a synced folder from your File Explorer. Whether it’s due to privacy concerns, performance issues, or simply because you no longer need the folder, this article will guide you through the process of removing a synced folder from File Explorer on Windows 10 and 11.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
The first step in removing a synced folder is to open File Explorer. You can do this by clicking on the File Explorer icon on your taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Step 2: Navigate to the Synced Folder
Once File Explorer is open, navigate to the synced folder you want to remove. This folder is typically located in the “OneDrive” section, which is a separate section in File Explorer.
Step 3: Right-click on the Synced Folder
With the synced folder selected, right-click on it to open a context menu. This menu will provide you with various options to manage the folder.
Step 4: Select “Unpin from Quick Access
In the context menu, you will see an option called “Unpin from Quick Access.” Click on this option to remove the synced folder from the Quick Access section of File Explorer.
Step 5: Disconnect the Folder
To completely remove the synced folder from File Explorer, you need to disconnect it. To do this, right-click on the synced folder and select “Manage” from the context menu. This will open the OneDrive settings window.
Step 6: Go to the “Sync” tab
In the OneDrive settings window, click on the “Sync” tab. This tab allows you to manage the folders and files that are synced with your OneDrive account.
Step 7: Uncheck the Synced Folder
In the “Sync” tab, you will see a list of folders and files that are currently synced with your OneDrive account. Find the synced folder you want to remove and uncheck the box next to it. This will prevent the folder from being synced with your OneDrive account.
Step 8: Click “OK” and Restart File Explorer
After unchecking the synced folder, click “OK” to save the changes. You may need to restart File Explorer for the changes to take effect. You can do this by closing File Explorer and opening it again, or by using the “Task Manager” to end the File Explorer process.
By following these steps, you should now have successfully removed a synced folder from File Explorer. This process can help you declutter your File Explorer and improve the performance of your system. If you ever need to sync the folder again, simply follow the same steps in reverse order.
