OneDrive File Issues

Can OneDrive Sync a Network Drive with SharePoint? Fixes

Partner Editor Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if and how they can synchronize a mapped network drive or UNC path directly with a SharePoint Online library using the OneDrive sync client.

How to Sync a Network Drive with SharePoint Using OneDrive

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Migrating or syncing files from a local network drive to SharePoint Online.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive sync client does not natively support syncing directly from mapped network drives or UNC paths.

Before you start

Ensure you have sufficient local storage space if you plan to copy network files locally, and verify you have the correct administrative permissions for both the network drive and the target SharePoint library.

Solution 1Recommended

Copy Files to a Local Folder for OneDrive Sync

Since direct network drive sync is unsupported, copying files to a local directory synced with OneDrive is the most reliable manual workaround.

This method is best suited for one-time transfers or small-scale migrations where ongoing real-time synchronization between the network drive and SharePoint is not required.

Setup local sync folder

Open your OneDrive for Business client and ensure it is actively connected and syncing to your target SharePoint library on your local hard drive.

Copy network files

Open File Explorer, navigate to your mapped network drive, select the files or folders you wish to migrate, right-click, and choose Copy.

Paste to OneDrive

Navigate to the local folder that is actively syncing with your SharePoint Online library, right-click inside the folder, and select Paste.

Allow sync to complete

Leave your computer powered on and connected to the internet while the OneDrive client uploads the newly pasted files to SharePoint.

Copy Files to a Local Folder for OneDrive Sync

Avoid Symbolic Links: Using symbolic links to trick OneDrive into syncing network paths is not recommended, as unsupported network paths may cause data conflicts, infinite sync loops, or data loss.

Solution 2

Use a Dedicated SharePoint Migration Tool

For large-scale migrations or ongoing changes, a dedicated migration tool is safer and more efficient than manual copying.

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1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free office suite.
2. Open Synced Files: Navigate to your SharePoint or OneDrive synced folder in File Explorer.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't OneDrive sync a network drive directly?

OneDrive is designed to monitor and sync changes on local NTFS-formatted drives. Mapped network drives and UNC paths operate differently at the file-system level, preventing the OneDrive client from reliably tracking file modifications and syncing them in real time.

Are symbolic links safe for syncing network drives to OneDrive?

No. While it is technically possible to create a symbolic link (symlink) to route network files through a local OneDrive folder, Microsoft does not support this method. It frequently leads to sync errors, infinite loops, and potential data loss during active synchronization.

What is the best way to migrate a large network drive to SharePoint?

For large migrations, it is highly recommended to use the official Microsoft SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) or a reputable third-party migration tool. These tools properly handle file metadata, permissions, and bulk transfers without relying on the desktop sync client.

Document & File Issues