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Fix OneDrive Add Shortcut to My Files Creating a Link Instead of Folder
Question details
The user is unable to sync a shared OneDrive folder locally, as the system creates an Internet shortcut link instead of an actual folder, preventing Excel Power Query from accessing the files.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive and Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to use the 'Add Shortcut to My Files' feature in OneDrive to sync shared folders to File Explorer for Excel Power Query workflows.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive creates an Internet shortcut instead of a synchronized folder in File Explorer, breaking local file paths expected by data querying tools.
Ensure your OneDrive desktop client is updated to the latest version and verify that you have the correct sharing permissions for the folder on OneDrive Web.
Use Web Download URL Workaround for Excel Power Query
Since the shortcut creates an unusable web link in File Explorer, bypassing local sync and using a direct download URL in Excel is the most effective workaround.
Microsoft is currently investigating the underlying issue causing shortcuts to appear as internet links rather than synced folders. Until an official patch is released, you can manually extract a direct download link from OneDrive Web to ensure your Excel Power Query workflows continue functioning seamlessly.
Log into OneDrive on the web, navigate to the shared folder, and open the target worksheet online.
Click on 'File' > 'Share' > 'Embed' to generate the HTML embed code for the worksheet.
Copy the embed code and paste it into a text editor. Delete everything before the 'https://' address and everything after the closing quotation mark. Finally, replace the word 'embed' with 'download' in the URL string.
Open your local Excel application, go to the 'Data' tab, select 'Get Data', and choose 'From Web'. Paste the modified download URL to connect to your data source directly.
Access Shared Folders Directly via OneDrive Web
Use the web interface as an alternative to File Explorer for manual file management.
Experience Hassle-Free Spreadsheet Management with WPS Office
If OneDrive syncing issues and shortcut bugs are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, robust, and highly compatible suite for all your document and spreadsheet needs without relying on complex sync engines.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the software in minutes.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx files directly, or connect to WPS Cloud for reliable file syncing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive 'Add Shortcut to My Files' create an Internet link?
This is a known synchronization behavior or glitch in OneDrive, often occurring when there are mismatched permissions, updates, or cross-tenant sharing configurations. Microsoft is aware of the issue but has not yet deployed a permanent fix.
Can I use an Internet shortcut (.url) in Excel Power Query?
No. Excel Power Query requires either a direct local file path (like C:\Users\...) or a direct web download URL. An internet shortcut file cannot be parsed as a data source.
Is there a way to force OneDrive to sync the folder properly?
Sometimes unlinking your PC from OneDrive, clearing the OneDrive cache, and relinking can temporarily resolve sync glitches. However, if the issue persists across the tenant, you must rely on the web download URL workaround.
