If you’ve synced a SharePoint image to your computer using OneDrive and now want to remove it without deleting it from the cloud. In that case, the only option is to unsync it. Today, I’ll show you how to unsync a One Drive SharePoint image step by step.
Here’s what going to be discuss now:
What Does It Mean to Unsync a SharePoint Image from OneDrive?
When you sync SharePoint document library to local folder using OneDrive, everything in that library, including images, is mirrored locally. Unsyncing a SharePoint image means removing its link from your local OneDrive folder without deleting it from the cloud or SharePoint.
Unsyncing does not delete the image from SharePoint Online. It only removes the locally synced version from your device.
How to Unsync a One Drive SharePoint Image?
First, backup SharePoint Online to local storage for data security, then verify the image is synced from:
- A SharePoint document library
- Or a shared folder via OneDrive
To check this, look in your File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). Usually, SharePoint-synced folders are listed under the company name or the SharePoint site name.
Now, follow the steps to unconfigure images in minutes:
- Step 1. Click on the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), then:
- Select Settings
- Click Settings again from the dropdown
- Step 2. Manage synced locations via OneDrive settings:
- Switch to the Account tab
- Under Choose folders or Stop sync, you find the specific SharePoint site or folder that contains the image
Note: If you want to remove just one image but not stop syncing the entire library, click on Choose folders and uncheck the folder that contains the image. This removes that image and folder from your local storage but keeps them in the cloud.
- Step 3 (Optional). If the image isn’t inside its folder, or you want to stop syncing the entire library, and you’re wondering how to unsync a One Drive SharePoint image:
- Click Stop sync beside the SharePoint site name
- Confirm the prompt
- Step 4 (If Needed). Even after unsyncing, sometimes a cached version of the image might remain on the local device. For the same, open the OneDrive folder in File Explorer and manually delete the image if it is still there. Don’t worry, since it was unsynced, deleting it here won’t remove it from SharePoint.
What If I Only Want to Unsync One Image File?
OneDrive doesn’t let you unsync individual files, only entire folders. That’s why, when I need to figure out how to unsync a One Drive SharePoint image, I either:
- Moved the image to a separate folder in SharePoint and unsynced that folder
- Or stopped syncing the library and accessed the image directly through the browser
How to Access the Image Without Syncing?
To avoid syncing, I now bookmark the SharePoint folder where the image is stored and access it online via:
https://mydomain.sharepoint.com/sites/sitename/Shared%35Documents
This lets me preview or download the image only when I need it, no local sync required. However, after unsyncing, if you experience Why is my SharePoint link not working then it can be due to insufficient permissions.
Why I Unsync SharePoint Images
Here are a few reasons I do not sync SharePoint images:
- They consume a lot of disk space
- I don’t need them offline
- I prefer using the browser interface for images
- Some files update frequently, and syncing creates version conflicts
Use Storage Sense (Windows Only)
To automate cleanup, I learned to enable Storage Sense to automatically remove locally available cloud content when disk space is low. This way, I don’t have to manually unsync every image.
Author’s Verdict
Unsyncing a OneDrive SharePoint image isn’t hard, but it’s important to know the risks. I’ve found how to unsync a One Drive SharePoint image for better management and reducing storage. In this guide, I explained everything step by step. So, without wasting any time, follow the instructions and unconfigure the images in a few clicks.
People Also Ask
Q. Can I unsync just one image from SharePoint in OneDrive?
No, OneDrive doesn’t support unsyncing individual files. You can only unsync entire folders or document libraries.
Q. Will unsyncing a SharePoint image delete it from the cloud?
No, unsyncing only removes the local copy from your device. The original image remains stored in SharePoint Online.
Q. What happens if I delete a synced SharePoint image from File Explorer?
If the file is still synced, deleting it locally will also delete it from SharePoint Online. Make sure to unsync the folder first, then delete the local copy.
Q. Why can’t I see the OneDrive sync settings?
Make sure the OneDrive desktop app is installed and running. For the same, click the cloud icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), then access Settings.