Systems, components, devices, and methods for synchronizing files between a local file system and a server are provided. In an example, synchronization of individual files is paused by placing the individual files in a hold state. A non-limiting example method accesses a file stored on the local file system for synchronization with an associated file on the server and determines whether differences between the file and the associated file prevent synchronization. When determined that differences between the file and the associated file prevent synchronization, the method places the file in a hold state. The hold state pauses synchronization of the content in the file with the content of the associated file. In some examples, the method continues to synchronize topological changes to files that have been placed in the hold state and/or resumes synchronization after it is determined that the file is no longer different than the associated file.