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Fix OneDrive Folders Changed to Internet Shortcut Files on Mac
Question details
Users report that OneDrive folders on macOS are displaying as web links or .url shortcut files rather than normal locally synchronized folders, and reinstalling the application does not fix the problem.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Accessing locally synchronized OneDrive shared folders on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Folders suddenly appear as internet shortcut files (.url) instead of accessible local directories.
Log in to OneDrive via a web browser to verify that your files and shared folders are still intact and safely stored in the cloud.
Contact Official OneDrive Support
Since this is a known synchronization issue affecting shared folders, reaching out to Microsoft Support is the most reliable way to get it resolved.
This bug primarily affects shared folders within the macOS environment. Reinstalling the local application typically does not resolve the synchronization failure.
Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the OneDrive web interface to sign in to your Microsoft account.
Check your file list online to ensure your files and shared folders are still available and unaffected by the local Mac sync issue.
Navigate to the Help or Support icon located in the top navigation bar of the OneDrive web interface.
Select the option to contact support and send an email detailing that your macOS synchronized folders have turned into internet shortcuts.
Submit Diagnostic Feedback via the Mac Client
Sending diagnostic data directly from your Mac helps the engineering team investigate and patch this shortcut bug.
Try WPS Office for Reliable Cloud Document Management
If you are tired of dealing with synchronization bugs in Microsoft OneDrive and Office on your Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with its own reliable built-in cloud storage.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS version of WPS Office.
- 2. Sign In to Activate Cloud: Install the software and log in to your WPS account to unlock your free WPS Cloud storage space.
- 3. Save and Sync: Create, edit, and save your documents directly to WPS Cloud to bypass local third-party syncing issues entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my OneDrive folders show up as .url shortcuts on Mac?
This is a known synchronization bug in OneDrive for macOS, which often affects shared folders. The client fails to mount the directory properly and instead creates a web link to the cloud version of the folder.
Will reinstalling OneDrive on my Mac fix the internet shortcut issue?
Typically, no. Users have consistently reported that uninstalling and reinstalling the OneDrive macOS application does not resolve this specific shortcut behavior.
Are my files lost when folders turn into internet shortcuts?
No, your data is generally safe. You can easily confirm this by logging into the OneDrive web portal using a browser, where your folders and files should still be fully accessible.
