check before: 2026-03-15
Product:
OneDrive, SharePoint, Windows
Platform:
Online, US Instances, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
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.
Details:
[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.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-03-03
updated:
2026-03-03
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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summary for non-techies**
Starting in March 2026, IT administrators can assign shorter, custom names to OneDrive folders to avoid path length issues, with new users automatically receiving the update and existing users needing to unlink and relink their OneDrive to see the change.
Direct effects for Operations**
Path Length Issues
Changing the OneDrive sync folder name may lead to confusion for existing users who need to unlink and relink their accounts, potentially causing disruptions in their workflow due to path length issues in nested folders.
- roles: IT Admins, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/use-group-policy#set-a-custom-name-for-the-onedrive-folder
User Experience Disruption
Existing users must unlink and relink their OneDrive accounts to see the new folder name, which may lead to temporary loss of access to files and confusion if not communicated properly.
- roles: IT Admins, End Users
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/unlink-and-re-link-onedrive-3c4680bf-cc36-4204-9ca5-e7b24cdd23ea
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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