Microsoft Teams works with SharePoint and OneDrive to let you access shared team files from your local computer. When you sync a Teams channel folder, the files appear in File Explorer on Windows or Finder on Mac through the OneDrive sync app.
How it works: Files uploaded to a Microsoft Teams channel are stored in the team’s SharePoint site. OneDrive is used to sync those SharePoint files to your computer.
Before you begin: Make sure Microsoft Teams and OneDrive are installed and signed in with your FAU account. You must also be a member of the Team or have access to the files before you can sync them.
Before You Begin ▾
Before syncing Teams files to your computer, confirm the following:
- You are signed in to Microsoft Teams with your FAU account.
- You are signed in to OneDrive with your FAU account.
- You are a member of the Team or have permission to access the files.
- Your computer has internet access.
- The OneDrive sync app is running.
Note: On FAU-managed computers, Teams and OneDrive may already be installed. If OneDrive is missing or will not start, contact the Help Desk for assistance.
Sync a Teams Channel Folder ▾
Use the Files tab in Teams to sync a channel’s files to your computer.
- Open Microsoft Teams.
- Go to the Team that contains the files you want to sync.
- Select the correct Channel.
- Select the Files tab.
- Select Sync.
- If prompted, allow Teams or your browser to open OneDrive.
- If prompted, sign in with your full FAU email address.
- Wait for OneDrive to begin syncing the folder.
Tip: If you do not see the Sync option in Teams, select Open in SharePoint, then choose Sync from the SharePoint document library.
Find the Synced Files on Your Computer ▾
After the sync starts, the Teams files will appear on your computer through OneDrive.
Windows
- Open File Explorer.
- Look for Florida Atlantic University or the synced SharePoint/Teams location in the left navigation pane.
- Open the synced folder to access the Teams files.
Mac
- Open Finder.
- Look for Florida Atlantic University or the synced SharePoint/Teams location in the sidebar.
- Open the synced folder to access the Teams files.
You can also access synced folders from the OneDrive client near the clock on Windows or from the menu bar on Mac.
Note: It may take a few minutes for synced files to appear, especially if the folder contains many files or large files.
Working with Synced Teams Files ▾
Synced Teams files can be opened and saved from your computer, similar to other folders. Changes sync back to Teams and SharePoint for other members who have access.
- Files added to the synced folder will upload to the Teams channel file location.
- Files edited in the synced folder will sync back to Teams and SharePoint.
- Files deleted from the synced folder may also be deleted from Teams and SharePoint.
- Large files may take several minutes to sync to all team members.
- Files may be available online-only unless you choose to keep them on your device.
Important: Be careful when deleting files from a synced Teams folder. Deleting a synced file from your computer can delete it for everyone who has access to the Teams or SharePoint location.
Permissions and Access ▾
Access to synced Teams files is controlled by the Team, SharePoint site, channel, or folder permissions.
- Syncing a folder does not give you extra permissions.
- You can only access files that your account is allowed to access.
- Team members may be able to create, edit, or delete files depending on the Team or SharePoint permissions.
- Team owners should periodically review membership to make sure access is still appropriate.
- If you lose access to a Team or SharePoint site, the synced folder may stop working or display sync errors.
Note: If you need permissions changed, contact the Team owner or the owner of the SharePoint site.
Sync vs. Add Shortcut to OneDrive ▾
Microsoft may show both Sync and Add shortcut to OneDrive options for Teams or SharePoint files. Both options can make files easier to access from your computer, but they appear differently.
- Sync: Syncs the SharePoint or Teams document library to your computer using the OneDrive sync app.
- Add shortcut to OneDrive: Adds a shortcut to the shared folder in your OneDrive so it can appear with your OneDrive files.
Tip: Use the option recommended by your department or shown in the related FAU KB article. If you already used one method, avoid using both for the same folder unless instructed.
Stop Syncing a Teams Folder ▾
If you no longer need a Teams folder synced to your computer, stop syncing it through OneDrive settings instead of simply deleting the folder from your computer.
- Select the OneDrive cloud icon on your taskbar or menu bar.
- Select Help & Settings, Settings, or the gear icon.
- Select the Account tab.
- Find the synced Teams or SharePoint location.
- Select Stop sync for that location.
Important: Do not delete a synced Teams folder from your computer unless you are sure you are not deleting files from the shared Teams or SharePoint location.
For detailed steps, review the related article for stopping OneDrive folder sync.
Troubleshooting ▾
- If you do not see the Team or channel, confirm that you are a member of the Team.
- If you do not see Sync, select Open in SharePoint and try syncing from the SharePoint document library.
- If OneDrive does not open after selecting Sync, confirm that the OneDrive sync app is installed and running.
- If the folder does not appear on your computer, wait a few minutes and check the OneDrive sync status.
- If files show a red X, review the OneDrive error message and check for unsupported characters, long file paths, or permissions issues.
- If you cannot edit or delete files, contact the Team owner to confirm your permissions.
- If files are missing, check the Teams channel Files tab or the connected SharePoint site.
- If you are unsure whether it is safe to delete a synced file, contact the Help Desk before deleting it.
Still Need Help?
If you need help syncing Microsoft Teams files to your computer or managing a synced Teams folder, please contact the Help Desk at 561-297-3999 or submit a ticket for assistance.
Submit a Help Desk request