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Fix OneDrive Shared Folder Opening in Edge Instead of File Explorer
Question details
Users are unable to open shared OneDrive folders locally in File Explorer; the folders appear as internet shortcuts and redirect to the web browser.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to access and collaborate on shared OneDrive folders directly from the local Windows File Explorer.
- Observed behavior
- Shared folders are unexpectedly converted into internet shortcuts that automatically open the OneDrive web interface in Microsoft Edge instead of displaying files natively.
Ensure you are signed into your Microsoft account and verify that your Windows operating system and OneDrive client are fully updated, as Microsoft occasionally releases background patches for known syncing issues.
Access Shared Folders via OneDrive Web
Since this is a known Microsoft bug reported in June 2024, the most reliable workaround is to access your files directly through the web browser until a patch is released.
Microsoft community support has confirmed that a server-side issue causes shared folders to sync as internet shortcuts rather than standard local folders. While they investigate, web access remains fully functional.
Open your preferred web browser and go to OneDrive.com.
Log in using the Microsoft account associated with the shared folder.
Click on the 'Shared' tab located on the left-hand navigation sidebar.
Click on the shared folder you wish to access. You can now view, edit, or download files directly from the web interface.
Remove and Re-add the Shared Folder Shortcut
Refreshing the shortcut connection might force OneDrive to correctly sync the folder locally instead of creating a web link.
Experience Seamless File Management and Collaboration with WPS Office
If Microsoft OneDrive and Office sync bugs are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with built-in reliable cloud storage for seamless team collaboration without annoying shortcut errors.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installer and complete the setup process.
- 2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents directly without losing formatting.
- 3. Collaborate via WPS Cloud: Save your files to the built-in WPS Cloud to securely share folders and collaborate with your team in real-time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my OneDrive shared folder suddenly turn into a web shortcut?
Microsoft reported a known issue starting in June 2024 where shared folders in OneDrive are mistakenly processed as internet shortcuts by the sync engine, causing them to open in Microsoft Edge rather than natively in File Explorer.
Will uninstalling and reinstalling the OneDrive client fix this issue?
Generally, no. Because this is a server-side bug acknowledged by Microsoft regarding how shared folder shortcuts are processed, reinstalling the local desktop client typically does not resolve the issue.
How can my team collaborate if we can't open the folder in File Explorer?
You can continue to collaborate seamlessly by opening the shared files directly through OneDrive.com. Any edits made via Office for the Web, or by manually downloading and uploading files, will still sync for all users.
