OneDrive – Shared folders can no longer sync locally since yesterday

Anonymous
2025-03-06T21:28:30+00:00

I have been experiencing an issue with the synchronization of shared OneDrive folders that started yesterday. Until now, I could successfully add shared folders to my OneDrive and have them sync locally, but now the folder is only appearing as a shortcut/link and is no longer treated as a regular folder in my OneDrive storage.

Problem:

  • Until yesterday, I could add shared folders to my OneDrive folder, and they would automatically sync so I could use the files directly on my PC.
  • Since yesterday, the shared folder is now only appearing as a link/shortcut, and it is not syncing locally.
  • The folder remains visible as an online link in the OneDrive Explorer, but I can't use it as a normal folder.
  • This affects all shared folders, both from external users and internal ones.
  • This change occurred suddenly on March 5, 2025, and was not present before.

What I have tried:

  1. Added the folder for synchronization again: This results in a link, not an actual sync.
  2. Updated the OneDrive client: I have installed the latest version of OneDrive, but the problem persists.
  3. Reinstalled OneDrive: I uninstalled and reinstalled OneDrive to fix any potential issues, but the problem remains.
  4. Cleared cache and stored credentials: This did not resolve the issue either.
  5. Checked the settings for a solution: I have reviewed all relevant options, but haven’t found a solution.

Questions:

  1. Was this feature intentionally changed by Microsoft, or is this a bug?
  2. Is there any way to reverse this change or make shared folders sync locally again like before?
  3. Is it possible to sync shared folders without the online link appearing?
  4. What steps should I take to resolve this issue?

Additional Information:

  • I am using OneDrive for Personal and syncing multiple folders from different users.
  • The files are still available online, but I am no longer able to use them offline as I did before.

I would greatly appreciate your assistance in resolving this issue. Thank you for your support!

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-04-14T21:24:31+00:00

    This has happened to me as well.

    Started 4/1/2025 (for me). All folders that were shared to me, and synced to my desktops, have disappeared from my desktops and replaced with URL links to OneDrive instead. Also, some new folders were created with the original name plus the PC name added to it (as others have experienced). On one desktop I noticed it took some Windows updates early in the morning (around 12 AM per Reliability Monitor), but the OneDrive folder shenanigans didn't start until that evening around 7:20 PM (based on timestamps shown for the folders which were moved to my Recycle Bin). The shared folders no longer appear in the OneDrive app as selectable for syncing - they are not showing at all in the list of folders though they are there in the web OneDrive.

    Hopefully Microsoft gets this sorted out soon as it's made using OneDrive for sharing between family member accounts difficult.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-04-12T18:17:08+00:00

    I logged into my wife's laptop and noticed that the shared folders in onedrive work fine there.

    It's the same version of Onedrive:Bu8ild 25.046.0310.0005 (64 bit)

    But on my desktop (not working) I'm running windows 11 Pro: 10.0.26100 Build 26100

    Her laptop is running windows 11 Home: 10.0.26100 Build 26100

    Anyone else who's having the problem, are you running Home or Pro?

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-04-10T13:49:32+00:00

    I shared the folder again. Then went into the web interface and clicked on add it as a shortcut. That seemed to work for me.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-04-10T13:21:09+00:00

    Just wondered what you experienced when it started to work again and if you had to take any steps. Did the folder just start syncing again without any steps from you, or did you have to go to the Web interface and use the sync button. (The sync button for me is no longer visible on the web interface).

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-04-02T06:34:07+00:00

    When? This has been a known issue for a while. So when do we think MS will get off their collective behinds and actually look after their customers? It has made using Onedrive impossible.

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