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Fix OneDrive 'Add to My OneDrive' Replaced by 'Add Shortcut' Issue
Question details
The user is unable to sync shared folders locally because the 'Add to my OneDrive' option is missing, and the new 'Add shortcut to my files' option only creates an internet link that opens in a web browser.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adding shared folders from multiple personal OneDrive accounts to sync locally in File Explorer.
- Observed behavior
- The interface now shows 'Add shortcut to my files'. When selected, it creates a shortcut that fails to integrate into the local file structure, instead opening the shared files in the online web portal.
Ensure your OneDrive desktop client is updated to the latest version and verify your internet connection before attempting to resync shared folders.
Use 'Add shortcut to my files' and Monitor Sync Behavior
Apply the newly renamed Microsoft feature to add shared files and verify if your system is affected by the known shortcut redirection bug.
Microsoft has officially renamed 'Add to my OneDrive' to 'Add shortcut to my files'. While this option is intended to add shared files to your local OneDrive file structure, a known Microsoft bug currently causes these shortcuts to display as internet links in File Explorer, forcing them to open in the web portal instead of locally.
Open the OneDrive web portal, navigate to the 'Shared' tab on the left sidebar, and find the folder you wish to sync.
Select the shared folder and click the 'Add shortcut to my files' option from the top navigation menu.
Open File Explorer on your computer, navigate to your local OneDrive folder, and click the new shortcut to see if it opens a local folder or redirects to your web browser.
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- 3. Save and share locally: Save files directly to your cloud folder from the desktop client, enabling seamless sharing without relying on buggy external web shortcuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft remove the 'Add to my OneDrive' button?
Microsoft permanently replaced 'Add to my OneDrive' with 'Add shortcut to my files' in an effort to streamline how shared folders and SharePoint files are added to personal OneDrive accounts.
How can I fix OneDrive shortcuts opening in a web browser?
This is a known bug acknowledged by Microsoft. While waiting for an official Microsoft update to restore proper local file integration, you must temporarily access your shared files directly through the OneDrive web portal.
Can I revert my OneDrive back to the old 'Add to my OneDrive' option?
No, Microsoft has rolled out this user interface change across all OneDrive accounts. You must use the 'Add shortcut to my files' feature to link shared content moving forward.
