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OneDrive File Issues

Fix Cannot Create Folders or Upload Files to Shared OneDrive Folder

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to create new folders or upload files to a shared folder using the OneDrive desktop application, despite having correct permissions.

Product
OneDrive Desktop Application
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Attempting to add files or folders to a shared OneDrive directory via the desktop sync client.
Observed behavior
The desktop application blocks or fails to complete folder creation and file uploads to shared folders, although the same actions work perfectly on the OneDrive website.
Before you start

Verify your internet connection is stable and ensure your OneDrive desktop client is updated to the latest version before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the OneDrive Web Interface as a Workaround

Since this is a known bug affecting the OneDrive desktop application, utilizing the web version allows you to continue managing your shared files without interruption.

Microsoft is aware of periodic syncing issues where the desktop client fails to recognize edit permissions for shared folders. Until an official patch is deployed to the desktop app, the web interface remains fully functional.

1
Access OneDrive Web

Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the official OneDrive website.

2
Log in to Your Account

Sign in using your Microsoft account credentials associated with the shared folder.

3
Navigate to Shared Folders

Click on 'Shared' in the left-hand navigation pane and open the specific folder you need to edit.

4
Upload or Create Items

Use the 'Upload' or 'New' buttons at the top of the screen to add your files or create new folders successfully.

Submit Feedback to Microsoft: To help expedite a permanent fix, click the Settings gear icon on the OneDrive website and select 'Send feedback' to report this desktop app issue directly to Microsoft.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I upload to OneDrive on the web but not the desktop app?

This discrepancy usually occurs due to sync glitches, local cache corruption, or known bugs within a specific version of the desktop client that incorrectly reads shared folder permissions.

Will reinstalling the OneDrive desktop app fix the shared folder issue?

Reinstalling or resetting the OneDrive app can sometimes resolve local cache issues. However, if the issue is a known system-wide bug acknowledged by Microsoft, you may need to use the web workaround until the next software update is released.

Can I change permissions in the OneDrive desktop app?

Permissions for shared folders are generally managed through the OneDrive web interface or by the original folder owner, not directly through the Windows File Explorer or Mac Finder desktop interface.

How do I report a bug to Microsoft regarding the OneDrive desktop client?

You can report bugs by clicking the OneDrive cloud icon in your computer's taskbar, selecting the gear icon for Settings, clicking 'Send feedback', and describing your upload issue.