OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Shared Folder Not Syncing to Computer (Appears as Shortcut)

Amos Gikunda Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to sync OneDrive shared folders to their local hard drive; the folders appear as .url internet shortcuts instead of synchronizing the files.

How to Fix OneDrive Shared Folder Not Syncing to Computer

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to synchronize a shared folder from OneDrive to the local computer for offline access and editing.
Observed behavior: The shared folder is added as a .url internet shortcut on the local machine rather than downloading and syncing the actual contents.

Before you start

Verify whether you are using a Microsoft 365 Family/Personal account or an Enterprise/Business account, as the shared folder syncing behavior currently differs significantly between the two.

Solution 1Recommended

Download Files Manually via OneDrive Web

Since personal OneDrive accounts currently add shared folders as web shortcuts, you must download the files manually for local offline access.

Microsoft has transitioned personal OneDrive accounts to use internet shortcuts (.url files) for shared folders. To work on these files locally without an active internet connection, you will need to download them directly from the web interface.

Open OneDrive on the Web

Open your preferred web browser and navigate to OneDrive.com. Sign in with your Microsoft 365 Family or Personal account credentials.

Navigate to Shared Files

On the left-hand navigation menu, click on the "Shared" tab to view all the folders and files that have been shared with your account.

Download Required Files

Select the specific files or folders you want to access offline by checking the circle next to their names, then click the "Download" button located in the top toolbar.

Download Files Manually via OneDrive Web

Manual Upload Required: After editing downloaded files locally, you will need to manually upload them back to the shared folder on OneDrive.com to share your changes with others.

Solution 2

Use a Business Account for Direct Syncing

If you have access to a OneDrive for Business or SharePoint account, you can use the native Sync feature to keep shared folders updated locally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my OneDrive shared folders appear as .url shortcuts instead of normal folders?

Microsoft recently updated how personal OneDrive accounts handle shared folders. Instead of downloading and synchronizing the contents to your local hard drive, OneDrive now creates an internet shortcut (.url) that links directly to the web version of the folder to save local disk space.

Can I force my personal OneDrive to sync a shared folder locally?

Currently, there is no official setting to force local folder syncing for Microsoft 365 Family or Personal accounts. To work offline, you must manually download the files from OneDrive.com.

Does this shortcut issue affect OneDrive for Business?

No, this behavior is specific to personal OneDrive accounts. Enterprise and SharePoint users retain access to the native "Sync" button, which continues to synchronize shared folders directly to the local computer for offline access.

Document & File Issues