OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Shared Folder Not Syncing Locally in File Explorer

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are unable to open a shared OneDrive folder locally via File Explorer, as clicking the folder forces a redirect to the web interface.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to access, edit, and save files locally within a shared OneDrive directory.
Observed behavior: The shared folder acts as an internet shortcut, redirecting family members to the web browser instead of opening in File Explorer. Local syncing fails even after unlinking and relinking the computer.

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is active and ensure you have the correct Microsoft account credentials used by the folder owner to manage access permissions.

Solution 1Recommended

Update OneDrive and Verify Sharing Permissions

Ensure all devices are running the latest version of OneDrive and that the folder is still properly shared with the correct Microsoft accounts.

Sometimes synchronization issues occur because of an outdated OneDrive client or a backend glitch affecting folder permissions. Keeping the app updated and double-checking access rights can help restore local folder functionality.

Check for OneDrive updates

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar notification area, select the Help & Settings gear icon, click Settings, and navigate to the About tab to verify you are on the latest version.

Verify folder permissions

Ask the folder owner to log into OneDrive on the web, right-click the shared folder, select Manage Access, and confirm that your Microsoft account still has editing permissions.

Use the web version temporarily

While troubleshooting the local sync issue, open the shared folder in your web browser and edit files directly through Office Online to avoid losing productivity.

Temporary Workaround: Using the web version is currently the most reliable way to access your files if the local client repeatedly forces browser redirects.

Solution 2

Submit Feedback and Contact Microsoft Support

Since this is a known issue affecting shared folder shortcuts, contacting support allows them to investigate your specific account configuration.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Local and Cloud File Editing

If OneDrive synchronization issues are preventing you from collaborating on Microsoft Office files efficiently, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. You can easily manage, edit, and save your documents locally without being restricted by cloud-sync bugs or web redirects.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and follow the easy installation prompts.
2. Open Files Locally: Locate the documents on your hard drive and double-click to open them instantly in WPS Office without waiting for cloud synchronization.
3. Save in Standard Formats: Save your edited work in standard Microsoft formats so your colleagues and family members can open them seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Edit files locally without forced web browser redirects.Lightweight installation with a familiar, easy-to-use interface.Built-in robust file management for local and alternative cloud storage.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my OneDrive shared folder opening in a web browser instead of File Explorer?

This frequently happens due to a known synchronization glitch or an update in Microsoft's sharing framework, causing the folder shortcut to act as an internet link rather than a locally synced directory.

Does unlinking and relinking my PC fix the OneDrive shared folder sync issue?

In many cases involving this specific bug, unlinking and relinking the computer does not fix the underlying backend permission or account configuration issue.

How can I edit shared files while my local OneDrive sync is broken?

You can temporarily use the OneDrive web interface to open and edit files in your browser, or manually download the files to your computer, edit them with your local software, and upload the updated versions.

Document & File Issues