OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Shared Folders Appearing as Internet Shortcuts on Local PC

Camila Milosovich Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing an issue where shared OneDrive folders are syncing as internet URL shortcuts instead of accessible local folders.

Fix OneDrive Shared Folders Appearing as Internet Shortcuts on Local PC

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Adding and syncing shared OneDrive folders to a local computer's file explorer.
Observed behavior: The shared folders appear as URL files (internet shortcuts) on the local PC rather than downloading as standard folders with accessible files.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and your Microsoft account credentials ready, as you will need to access your files via a web browser while the local syncing issue is resolved.

Solution 1Recommended

Access Shared Folders via OneDrive Web

Since Microsoft is investigating this known syncing bug, the recommended workaround is to access and manage your shared folders directly through the OneDrive website.

This is a known issue being actively investigated by Microsoft. The problem causes the OneDrive sync client to mistakenly create a web link instead of fetching the actual directory structure.

While waiting for a patch, you can still view, edit, and download your shared files without relying on the desktop sync client.

Open OneDrive Web

Launch your preferred web browser and navigate to OneDrive.com.

Sign in to your account

Click the Sign In button and enter the Microsoft account credentials associated with the shared folders.

Navigate to Shared items

On the left-hand navigation pane, click on the 'Shared' tab to view all files and folders that have been shared with you.

Access your files

Click on the affected shared folder. From here, you can open documents online or select files to download directly to your local PC for editing.

Automatic Resolution: Once Microsoft releases a fix for this bug, the URL shortcut files currently on your local PC should automatically convert back into standard synced folders.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management

While waiting for Microsoft to resolve the OneDrive folder syncing bug, consider using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office, complete with its own robust cloud storage ensuring you can share and collaborate without syncing errors.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free setup file for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software on your PC.
3. Activate WPS Cloud: Open the application, sign in to claim your free cloud storage space, and begin sharing files effortlessly.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.Built-in WPS Cloud ensures your files and folders are synced perfectly across all devices.Free, lightweight, and features a user interface familiar to MS Office users.Easily share folders and collaborate in real-time without internet shortcut errors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will my OneDrive URL shortcuts automatically turn back into folders?

Yes. Microsoft has stated that once the syncing issue is resolved on their end, the URL shortcut files currently on your local PC should automatically revert to normal shared folders without any additional action required from you.

Can I still edit files in the shared folder while it appears as a shortcut?

You cannot edit the files directly from your local file explorer using the shortcut. However, if you click the shortcut to open the folder on OneDrive.com, you can edit the files online or download them to your PC for local editing.

Why does OneDrive show an 'Internet Shortcut' instead of a normal folder?

This is a known server-side bug being investigated by Microsoft. It occurs when a user tries to add a shared folder to their local OneDrive sync client, causing the system to mistakenly create a web link instead of downloading the folder directory.

Document & File Issues