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
    2025-03-11T08:10:05+00:00

    Ostensibly the same issue as below, when will this be resolved?

    Shared OneDrive folders have disappeared from my local file explorer to be replaced by browser shortcuts.

    In recent weeks a number of folders I share with others, or which they share with me, have disappeared from my local file explorer and are now only available as shortcuts which open OneDrive in my browser when I click on them. I can no longer just save to them as I did before, and can't find a way to get them to appear in my folder again as they did before. Can anyone help with this?

    I have the same question (36) Report abuse

    Replies (2) 

    C

    Cherry.Z - MSFT

    Microsoft Agent | Moderator

    Replied on July 3, 2024

    Report abuse

    Hi, Owl148

    Thanks for raising your concerns in Microsoft Community.

    We are aware of the issue and are working on resolving it. The url files will automatically convert back to folders when the issue is resolved. For now, we recommend accessing shared folders that are in this state on OneDrive.com.

    Please refer to this information here:

    Add and sync shared folders to OneDrive for home - Microsoft Support

    Warm Regards,

    Cherry.Z | Microsoft Technical Support Specialist”

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-03-11T07:14:17+00:00

    Has the engineering team taken this problem seriously just now? It has been reported for over a year now. I could find one post from last July. Why is a shared OneDrive folder not syncing to my pc? - Microsoft Community

    Why is Microsoft reluctant to solve this? Does this issue require a media escalation?

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-03-11T07:10:40+00:00

    Why is a shared OneDrive folder not syncing to my pc? - Microsoft Community Its been way longer than a month. No solution in sight. In fact, the problem seems to have spread to all computers using sharing over one drive.

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    8 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2025-03-10T17:43:09+00:00

    this issue has been going on for a month and I don't think MS has been doing enough considering the urgency of the matter!!

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    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2025-03-10T13:16:42+00:00

    buenos dias, tengo el mismo problema con una carpeta compartida, tambien tengo el problema de que no se actualice mi plan de almacenamiento.

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