check before: 2026-03-15
Product:
OneDrive, SharePoint, Windows
Platform:
Online, US Instances, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting mid-March 2026, admins can set a custom local OneDrive sync folder name on Windows to reduce path length issues. New users see the custom name automatically; existing users must unlink and relink OneDrive. The feature is opt-in and requires admin configuration.
Details:
Updated March 18, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
To help reduce Windows file path length issues and improve the local file system experience, IT admins can now set a custom name for the local OneDrive sync root folder on users' Windows devices using the policy Set a custom name for the OneDrive sync folder with the String ID CustomSyncRootFolderName. Today, the default folder name ("OneDrive - (organization name)") can contribute to path length constraints in deeply nested folder structures. This new policy allows organizations to define a shorter, organization-specific folder name while keeping the OneDrive experience consistent for users.
Screenshot: Configure group policy by opening the relevant group policy in the Local Group Policy Editor application
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out in mid-March 2026 and complete on March 18, 2026 (previously early April).
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-03-03
updated:
2026-03-19
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
User Experience Disruption
Existing users must unlink and relink their OneDrive accounts to see the new folder name, which can lead to confusion and potential data access issues during the transition period.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/unlink-and-re-link-onedrive-3c4680bf-cc36-4204-9ca5-e7b24cdd23ea
Increased Support Requests
The need for existing users to unlink and relink their accounts may result in a spike in support requests, as users may not be familiar with the process or may encounter issues.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Helpdesk Personnel
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/use-group-policy#set-a-custom-name-for-the-onedrive-folder
Configutation Options**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2026-03-19 | MC Messages | [Introduction]
To help reduce Windows file path length issues and improve the local file system experience, IT admins can now set a custom name for the local OneDrive sync root folder on users' Windows devices using the policy Set a custom name for the OneDrive sync folder with the String ID CustomSyncRootFolderName. Today, the default folder name ("OneDrive - (organization name)") can contribute to path length constraints in deeply nested folder structures. This new policy allows organizations to define a shorter, organization-specific folder name while keeping the OneDrive experience consistent for users. Screenshot: Configure group policy by opening the relevant group policy in the Local Group Policy Editor application [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out in mid-March 2026 and expect to complete by early April 2026. | Updated March 18, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] To help reduce Windows file path length issues and improve the local file system experience, IT admins can now set a custom name for the local OneDrive sync root folder on users' Windows devices using the policy Set a custom name for the OneDrive sync folder with the String ID CustomSyncRootFolderName. Today, the default folder name ("OneDrive - (organization name)") can contribute to path length constraints in deeply nested folder structures. This new policy allows organizations to define a shorter, organization-specific folder name while keeping the OneDrive experience consistent for users. Screenshot: Configure group policy by opening the relevant group policy in the Local Group Policy Editor application [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out in mid-March 2026 and complete on March 18, 2026 (previously early April). |
| 2026-03-19 | MC Title | Set a custom name for the OneDrive sync folder | (Updated) Set a custom name for the OneDrive sync folder |
| 2026-03-19 | MC Last Updated | 03/03/2026 01:03:08 | 2026-03-18T23:06:09Z |
| 2026-03-19 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2026-03-19 | MC Summary | IT admins can set a custom local OneDrive sync folder name on Windows to reduce path length issues, starting mid-March 2026. New users see the custom name automatically; existing users must unlink and relink OneDrive. The feature is opt-in and requires admin configuration. | Starting mid-March 2026, admins can set a custom local OneDrive sync folder name on Windows to reduce path length issues. New users see the custom name automatically; existing users must unlink and relink OneDrive. The feature is opt-in and requires admin configuration. |
Last updated 4 weeks ago ago
