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jmaiens's avatar
jmaiens
Copper Contributor
Dec 24, 2023

Sharepoint, OneDrive and Windows File Explorer

I am looking for some help. I setup a very basic SharePoint communication site and I created two folders in Documents (Ex. Admin and Users). I want them to have different access rights. So I stopped inheritance on the Admin folder and removed all groups except Owner.

When I login to the Site Website as regular user/ credentials, I can't see the Admin folder and that is the behavior I want.

However, I want to use OneDrive on my PC to manage my SharePoint files. If I sync the site to OneDrive on my PC using the same regular user credentials, in Windows Explorer, I can see and access the Users folder and files AND see and access (edit) the Admin folder and files.

I do not want the regular users to see and access the Admin folder via OneDrive.

I haven't figured out a way to do this.

Any guidance on this would be greatly appreciated.

  • grahm073as's avatar
    grahm073as
    Copper Contributor

    Managing folder-level permissions in SharePoint and ensuring those permissions are reflected correctly in OneDrive sync can be a bit intricate. Here are some steps and considerations to help you achieve the desired access control:

    1. Check SharePoint Permissions:

      • Confirm that the permissions on the Admin folder are set correctly in SharePoint. It seems like you've already stopped inheritance and restricted access, but double-check the permissions to make sure only the Owners have access.
    2. OneDrive Sync Client:

      • When syncing SharePoint document libraries to OneDrive, the sync client respects SharePoint permissions. However, there might be a delay in the sync process. Allow some time for the changes to propagate.
    3. Clear OneDrive Cache:

      • If you're still experiencing issues, you can try clearing the OneDrive cache on your local machine. To do this, right-click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray, select Settings, go to the Account tab, and click the "Stop Sync" button. After that, clear the contents of the OneDrive cache folder.
    4. Ensure Sync Settings:

      • Check if the OneDrive sync settings are configured to respect SharePoint permissions. To do this, right-click on the OneDrive icon, select Settings, and go to the Account tab. Make sure the option "Use Office to sync Office files that I open" is checked.
    5. Test with Another User:

      • Test the behavior with another regular user account. This can help you determine if the issue is specific to the user or a broader configuration problem.
    6. SharePoint Content Types:

      • Ensure that the content types of the files within the Admin folder are not contributing to unintended access. Sometimes, document properties or content types can override folder permissions.
    7. Conditional Access Policies (If Applicable):

      • If your organization uses Conditional Access Policies, make sure they are not affecting the access from the OneDrive sync client differently than the browser.
    8. OneDrive Known Folder Move:

      • If you are using Known Folder Move, ensure that it's correctly configured and not causing any conflicts.
    9. Check OneDrive for Business Client Version:

      • Ensure that your OneDrive for Business client is updated to the latest version. Microsoft regularly releases updates that address various issues and improve compatibility.
    10. Microsoft Support:

      • If the issue persists, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support. They can provide specific assistance based on your SharePoint and OneDrive configuration.

    By carefully reviewing these aspects, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the discrepancy in folder visibility and access between SharePoint and OneDrive.

    • jmaiens's avatar
      jmaiens
      Copper Contributor

      grahm073as 

      Thank you for your comprehensive response. I'll review all points you provided.

      I really appreciate your help!

      Jeff

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