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!

Thank you for the reply, but what would be more helpful is knowing when a fix will be available. This seems to affect everyone at different timings, and even when support tickets are created directly, the response seems to be "just wait". For a service that I rely on every day both professionally and personally, not being able to save files directly from my desktop applications to a location that I share with others is devastating. Saying you "are sorry for the inconvenience" doesn't provide any new information (since I've seen that response in posts going back to 2024), what else can you offer to remedy this situation since it seems to keep happening? We all pay money to Microsoft for this service, and while Microsoft is happy to keep collecting those subscription fees, Microsoft is not delivering the capability that was promised. So is the only option for all of us impacted by this to download our files and move to another cloud hosting provider who can provide the service we are paying for?

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.

Starting to wonder what the legal recourse would be for this. They are advertising a service they are not providing, which here in AU is considered highly illegal.

Hi Felix2405 We understand the inconvenience and hassle of not being able to access shared folders locally, and regret that we are unable to provide a satisfactory response at this time. -->Update<-- Microsoft has confirmed that this is a known issue and the engineering team has now stepped in to resolve the issue, but a full resolution will still take some time as synchronised fixes will be required to validate cross-platform stability. Please be assured that this issue is always in the high-priority queue and we will be synchronising the latest updates via our official website and service pushes. Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in OneDrive - Microsoft Support -->Behaviours to try<-- 📌This issue only occurs with certain Microsoft accounts, so new Microsoft accounts should be able to use OneDrive properly. 📌We also recommend that you try loading the shared folder as a network drive. Please note: This option does not work for all users and is only intended as a possibility to try. Please resolve the issue of being unable to access shared files on - Microsoft Community As a frontline support team, we collect cases and data from users (including you) on a daily basis. Like you, we will continue to monitor this issue for any developments. I hope I have provided you with an update on this matter. Please let me know if my response was helpful and I will close this thread. If you would like more information, please let me know in a reply. Always looking forward to your feedback. Best regards Ian.L-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

I am experiencing the same issue. Both on macOS and Windows 11. This is breaking my workflow.

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!

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.

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137 answers

Anonymous

2025-04-30T20:22:32+00:00

Thank you for the reply, but what would be more helpful is knowing when a fix will be available.

This seems to affect everyone at different timings, and even when support tickets are created directly, the response seems to be "just wait". For a service that I rely on every day both professionally and personally, not being able to save files directly from my desktop applications to a location that I share with others is devastating.

Saying you "are sorry for the inconvenience" doesn't provide any new information (since I've seen that response in posts going back to 2024), what else can you offer to remedy this situation since it seems to keep happening?

We all pay money to Microsoft for this service, and while Microsoft is happy to keep collecting those subscription fees, Microsoft is not delivering the capability that was promised.

So is the only option for all of us impacted by this to download our files and move to another cloud hosting provider who can provide the service we are paying for?
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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

2025-03-16T05:35:41+00:00

Starting to wonder what the legal recourse would be for this. They are advertising a service they are not providing, which here in AU is considered highly illegal.
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5 people found this answer helpful.

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Anonymous

2025-03-12T05:18:23+00:00

Hi Felix2405

We understand the inconvenience and hassle of not being able to access shared folders locally, and regret that we are unable to provide a satisfactory response at this time.

-->Update<--

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a known issue and the engineering team has now stepped in to resolve the issue, but a full resolution will still take some time as synchronised fixes will be required to validate cross-platform stability. Please be assured that this issue is always in the high-priority queue and we will be synchronising the latest updates via our official website and service pushes.

Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in OneDrive - Microsoft Support

-->Behaviours to try<--

📌This issue only occurs with certain Microsoft accounts, so new Microsoft accounts should be able to use OneDrive properly.

📌We also recommend that you try loading the shared folder as a network drive. Please note: This option does not work for all users and is only intended as a possibility to try.

Please resolve the issue of being unable to access shared files on - Microsoft Community

As a frontline support team, we collect cases and datafrom users (including you) on a daily basis. Like you, we will continue to monitor this issuefor any developments. I hope I have provided you with an update on this matter.

Please let me know if my response was helpful and I will close this thread. If you would like more information, please let me know in a reply.

Always looking forward to your feedback.

Best regards

Ian.L-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist
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5 people found this answer helpful.

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Anonymous

2025-03-15T14:22:01+00:00

I am experiencing the same issue. Both on macOS and Windows 11. This is breaking my workflow.
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4 people found this answer helpful.

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