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: Added the folder for synchronization again: This results in a link, not an actual sync. Updated the OneDrive client: I have installed the latest version of OneDrive, but the problem persists. Reinstalled OneDrive: I uninstalled and reinstalled OneDrive to fix any potential issues, but the problem remains. Cleared cache and stored credentials: This did not resolve the issue either. Checked the settings for a solution: I have reviewed all relevant options, but haven’t found a solution. Questions: Was this feature intentionally changed by Microsoft, or is this a bug? Is there any way to reverse this change or make shared folders sync locally again like before? Is it possible to sync shared folders without the online link appearing? 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!

I just wanted to add that I'm experiencing this one one of my family's laptops (personal account). I was able to mount a shared folder as a network location. But this is really clunky.

My situation is good and bad and seems to involve permissions. I've done resets, etc., but without positive effect. My situation is: with shared folders from user A, I can sync, but with shared folders from user B, I lost the capacity to sync, apparently after software updates on the user B computer. These updates included moving to Office 365 from Office 365. Perhaps something is going on with TFA. It would be good to have a troubleshooter app.

This bug is open for more than 9 months: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/onedrive-in-windows-11-file-explorer-no-longer/50a008fb-55bb-4f21-a0b5-779da87a1f8c?page=1 Is Microsoft working on a fix at all?

Applications that rely on data stored in OneDrive are no longer functioning. A prompt and permanent fix is urgently required - temporary workarounds are not acceptable. This functionality must be restored to work as originally intended. We are paying for a service that has now been partially unusable for over 9 months. Therefore, we respectfully request: Regular status updates on the progress A committed resolution date by which this issue will be fully resolved for all affected users Thank you.

Must be fixed soon. Very dealbreaker at the moment.

OneDrive – Shared folders can no longer sync locally since yesterday

Anonymous

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:

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

Questions:

Was this feature intentionally changed by Microsoft, or is this a bug?
Is there any way to reverse this change or make shared folders sync locally again like before?
Is it possible to sync shared folders without the online link appearing?
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!

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137 answers

Anonymous

2025-03-27T01:08:15+00:00

I just wanted to add that I'm experiencing this one one of my family's laptops (personal account). I was able to mount a shared folder as a network location. But this is really clunky.
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Anonymous

2025-03-28T01:05:12+00:00

My situation is good and bad and seems to involve permissions. I've done resets, etc., but without positive effect. My situation is: with shared folders from user A, I can sync, but with shared folders from user B, I lost the capacity to sync, apparently after software updates on the user B computer. These updates included moving to Office 365 from Office 365. Perhaps something is going on with TFA. It would be good to have a troubleshooter app.
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Anonymous

2025-03-28T09:56:18+00:00

This bug is open for more than 9 months: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/onedrive-in-windows-11-file-explorer-no-longer/50a008fb-55bb-4f21-a0b5-779da87a1f8c?page=1

Is Microsoft working on a fix at all?
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2 people found this answer helpful.

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Anonymous

2025-03-28T10:59:54+00:00
Applications that rely on data stored in OneDrive are no longer functioning.

A prompt and permanent fix is urgently required - temporary workarounds are not acceptable. This functionality must be restored to work as originally intended.

We are paying for a service that has now been partially unusable for over 9 months.

Therefore, we respectfully request:
- Regular status updates on the progress
- A committed resolution date by which this issue will be fully resolved for all affected users
Thank you.
Was this answer helpful?

5 people found this answer helpful.

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Anonymous

2025-03-29T20:04:00+00:00

Must be fixed soon. Very dealbreaker at the moment.
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2 people found this answer helpful.

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