Deciphering OneDrive Icon Symbology

Jamie Hernandez 40 Reputation points
2026-08-18T15:15:26.3666667+00:00

I am attempting to Understand the meaning of this Icon Image. I have visited the Microsoft Link to the "Meaning of OneDrive Icons", however, this Icon is not in the List.
User's image Are there other Discrete Icons and where do I find there meanings

Thank you

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | Other | Windows
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Answer accepted by question author
Marcin Policht 107.3K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2026-08-18T15:31:06.3966667+00:00

The icon shown has two distinct elements:

The small arrow in the lower-right corner is the standard Windows shortcut indicator.

The chain/link symbol on the folder indicates that the folder represents a shortcut/link to another location.

In the OneDrive context, a folder with the link/chain overlay can indicate a shortcut to a shared folder that has been added to OneDrive. This is different from the normal OneDrive synchronization-status icons.

For the list of icons and their descriptions, refer to https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/onedrive/what-do-the-onedrive-icons-mean

If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

hth

Marcin

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AI answer

2026-08-18T15:15:39.45+00:00

The icon shown is a shortcut/link indicator on a folder. In OneDrive, a folder with a chain or link overlay means it is a shortcut to another folder that has been shared.

Other OneDrive icons called out in the available guidance include:

  • Blue cloud outline: file is online-only.
  • Green circle with a check mark: file is locally available/offline.
  • Red circle with white cross: file or folder cannot be synced.
  • Gray/faded cloud: not signed in, or OneDrive setup has not completed.
  • Paused symbol: syncing is paused.
  • Sync arrows: sync is in progress.
  • Person icon: file or folder has been shared with other people.
  • Gray circle with flat bar: an admin has blocked sync of certain file types.
  • Yellow warning triangle or brown warning circle: account needs attention.
  • Red “no entry” style circle: account is blocked.
  • Three blue lines: the file is new.
  • Blue circle with an “i”: informational message or new feature notice.

The main place to check icon meanings is the OneDrive icon reference article.

AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  1. Jamie Hernandez 40 Reputation points
    2026-08-18T15:29:57.4166667+00:00

    The AI generated answer Below is a partial solution.

    • Sync arrows: sync is in progress.
    • Person icon: file or folder has been shared with other people.

    However, The link to "What do the One Drive icons mean" does not contribute to the solution, as this linked information does not provide a full translation of all symbology.

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