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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

137 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2025-04-02T03:56:45+00:00

    Hi, the same thing just happened to me. This is unacceptable.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2025-03-31T21:14:18+00:00

    That's not helpful at all. What is the current status? Is the problem being fixed or is the change intended?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2025-03-31T02:43:25+00:00

    I concur. This very well could be a dealbreaker as this is the main reason my family uses OneDrive at all!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. 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.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. 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.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments