Permission & Access Issues

Fix OneDrive Folders Showing Sharing Icons on Windows

Emma Brown Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users notice that OneDrive folders display sharing icons on a specific Windows computer, even when the folders have not been shared through the OneDrive platform.

Fix OneDrive Folders Showing Sharing Icons on Windows

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Browsing synced OneDrive files and folders locally in Windows File Explorer.
Observed behavior: A sharing icon appears on OneDrive folders, usually triggered by local Windows folder-sharing (SMB) settings or inherited NTFS permissions rather than actual cloud sharing.

Before you start

Before modifying advanced folder permissions, securely back up your files and take note of the current sharing settings to prevent unintended access loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Check and Disable Local Windows SMB Sharing

Verify if the folder has been shared locally across your Windows network, which can trigger the sharing icon independently of OneDrive.

In many cases, the sharing icon appears because the folder is set to share with other users on your local network. Disabling this local sharing will remove the icon without affecting your OneDrive cloud sync.

Open Folder Properties

Right-click the affected OneDrive folder in Windows File Explorer and select 'Properties' from the context menu.

Navigate to the Sharing Tab

Click on the 'Sharing' tab at the top of the Properties window to view the local network path and sharing status.

Access Advanced Sharing

Click the 'Advanced Sharing' button. If prompted by User Account Control, grant administrative permission.

Disable Local Sharing

Uncheck the 'Share this folder' box if you do not want the folder accessible on your local network, then click 'Apply' and 'OK'.

Check and Disable Local Windows SMB Sharing

Confirm via OneDrive Web: To be absolutely sure the folder isn't shared via the cloud, log into the official OneDrive website and check the 'Shared' section.

Solution 2

Review Inherited NTFS Security Permissions

Adjust NTFS permissions if incorrect local user access inheritance is triggering the sharing icon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my personal OneDrive folders have a sharing icon when I haven't shared them?

This usually happens because the folder is shared locally via your Windows network (SMB) or due to specific local NTFS security permissions granted to other user accounts on your PC, rather than being shared online through OneDrive.

Can modifying NTFS permissions stop OneDrive from syncing?

Yes. If you incorrectly remove inherited NTFS permissions or deny access to your main user profile or system accounts, the OneDrive client will lose permission to read or write files, effectively breaking the synchronization process.

How can I check if my folder is actually shared with others online?

The most reliable method is to sign in to the OneDrive web portal (onedrive.live.com) using your Microsoft account. Click on the 'Shared' tab on the left sidebar to see exactly which files and folders are currently being shared via the cloud.

Document & File Issues