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
    2025-03-23T12:34:23+00:00

    I found this article about it on Neowin but no new updates since the 12th of March.

    https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-finally-has-update-on-onedrive-shared-folders-turning-to-internet-shortcut-links/

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-03-23T14:56:48+00:00

    An urgent fix is needed. This is akin to waking up to "Start" button not working one fine morning. This calls for a hotfix to be rolled out immediately!

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-03-24T02:43:22+00:00

    Same issue. Only one of my Shared Folders is not syncing and is showing as an Internet Shortcut. The folder does not show up in my OneDrive client settings when I look at Choose Folders. It is still available online.

    Definitely need a fix asap. This folder has 756GB of family home movies.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-03-26T09:28:02+00:00

    Great to see MS is on it.

    Take your time but nit too long and solve it, please this is an essential feature for both, people that work on-line as well as people that regularly work off-line.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-03-26T12:25:15+00:00

    Same Issue , the shared folders from other person, or even from family member added as a shortcut on the desktop are shown as links in windows OS,

    and now I even cannot add shortcut from shared files to my files.

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