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
    2025-04-08T14:47:09+00:00

    MS завжди кидає своїх клієнтів "через плече", колись вони змінили якісь шрифти і в моїх контактах зникли всі описи, які я додавав кілька років, вони просто розвели руки)). Так що не переживайте, тут так само, до них хіба дійде, якщо від них почнуть йти клієнти, але цього не відбудиться ))) Вони можуть хіба відреагувати якщо проблема буде стосуватись корпоративних клієнтів.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-04-08T17:19:30+00:00

    This article links to some other post indicating this has been an issue for way longer than I've been affected by this.

    Article: https://geekermag.com/fix-onedrive-shared-folders-become-internet-shortcuts-on-windows-11/

    Posts 10 months ago:

    https://www.reddit.com/r/Office365/comments/1dbjq9s/one_drive_windows_11_shared_folder_all_of_sudden/ https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoft/comments/1dnje8c/does_anyone_know_whats_going_on_with_onedrive/

    Meanwhile I noticed Office 365 Family just increased 32€ in price.

    Personally I don't think this is gonna be fixed soon, like a lot of other Microsoft bugs, and I'm looking at other options.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-04-09T09:15:20+00:00

    I tested ours again yesterday and it has now started working again. A real pain as we had to resync a lot of files but it does appear to be working now. I wonder if they are rolling out updates and it depends on which infrastructure you are on

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-04-09T10:39:07+00:00

    I've checked mine - interestingly, I have been able to start it syncing correctly on my account using the OneDrive app on Android to tell the shared folders to be treated as local - web app does not seem to do this correctly. After I did this, it was fixed on my machines. Have to see if the same works on another account later.

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  5. 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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