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What this does

File Sync creates a source that imports files from an approved external location into a personal, group, or public workspace. This guide chooses a source type, connection, filters, tags, delete policy, and optional schedule.

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Create a file sync walkthrough

Recording planned. Show create a file sync end to end and explain why this task helps a user.

To publish this video:

  1. Upload the recording to YouTube or Microsoft Stream.
  2. Save a poster frame as docs/images/video-posters/guide-create-a-file-sync.png.
  3. Add the watch URL to this slot in docs/_data/media.yml.

Why you would use this

Use File Sync when important documents already live in a share or storage container and should stay current without repeated uploads. It replaces manual drag-and-drop for stable repositories; it is the wrong choice for temporary files, unapproved repositories, or sources too broad for the workspace.

Before you start

  • Admins must enable enable_file_sync and the target scope toggle: enable_file_sync_personal, enable_file_sync_group, or enable_file_sync_public; see File Sync settings.
  • The workspace scope must be enabled on Workspaces settings.
  • You need permission to manage sync sources and a readable credential or Reusable identity.

Steps

  1. Open the workspace that should receive synced documents.
  2. Choose Sync from Section or the workspace tabs.
  3. Select Add Sync Source.
  1. On 1. Source Type, choose SMB Share, Azure Files, Azure Blob Storage, or another available card.
  2. Select Configure Source.
  3. In General, enter Source name and connection fields such as UNC path, File service URL, Share name, Container name, or Blob prefix.
  4. In Identity and Authentication, choose Reusable identity or source-local credentials.
  5. In Selection, Subfolders, and Filters, choose paths, subfolders, patterns, and file types.
  6. In Tags, choose fixed tags; in Sync Schedule, enable Scheduled sync only when automatic refresh is wanted.
  1. Select Test Connection, then Add Source or Save Source.

Verify it worked

The source appears in the Sync list. Imported files later appear on the workspace Documents tab with fixed or folder tags.

Troubleshooting

Symptom Likely cause Fix
No source types are visible Admins have not made a source type visible Ask an admin to review File Sync source type visibility.
Include subfolders is disabled Recursive sources are disabled by admin policy Sync a top-level path or ask whether recursion is allowed.
Test Connection fails The credential, path, container, or share is wrong Correct the fields and retest.