How to Permanently Remove SharePoint Shortcut from File Explorer on Windows

How to Remove SharePoint Shortcut from File Explorer

Are you tired of seeing the SharePoint shortcut in your File Explorer? Whether it’s taking up space or causing confusion, removing it can be a simple task. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to remove the SharePoint shortcut from your File Explorer on Windows 10 and 11.

Step 1: Open File Explorer

First, open File Explorer on your computer. 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 SharePoint Shortcut

In the File Explorer, you will see the SharePoint shortcut located in the Quick Access section on the left-hand side of the window. It is typically labeled as “OneDrive – [Your Company Name]” or something similar.

Step 3: Right-click on the SharePoint Shortcut

With the SharePoint shortcut selected, right-click on it to open a context menu.

Step 4: Select “Properties”

From the context menu, select “Properties.” This will open a new window with various tabs and options related to the shortcut.

Step 5: Navigate to the “Shortcut” Tab

In the Properties window, click on the “Shortcut” tab. This tab contains options for modifying the shortcut’s path, target, and other settings.

Step 6: Delete the SharePoint Shortcut

Under the “Shortcut” tab, you will see a field labeled “Target.” This field contains the path to the SharePoint shortcut. To remove the shortcut, simply delete the entire path from the field.

Step 7: Click “OK” to Save Changes

After deleting the path, click “OK” to save the changes. The SharePoint shortcut will now be removed from your File Explorer.

Alternative Method: Using the Registry Editor

If the above method does not work for you, you can try using the Registry Editor to remove the SharePoint shortcut. However, be cautious when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can cause system instability.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
4. Look for a key named “Common Start Menu” and right-click on it.
5. Select “Delete” and confirm the deletion.
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

By following these steps, you should be able to remove the SharePoint shortcut from your File Explorer. If you encounter any issues, you can always restore the shortcut by creating a new one or using the original path.