'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix OneDrive Shared Folders Appearing as .url Shortcut Files
Question details
Users are reporting that shared OneDrive folders added as shortcuts to their 'My Files' directory are appearing as .url Internet shortcut files rather than actual synchronized local folders.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adding a shortcut to a shared folder in OneDrive to access shared files from the local computer.
- Observed behavior
- Instead of appearing as a normal folder that synchronizes files locally, the shared folder shortcut downloads as a .url file that forces the user into a web browser when clicked.
Verify your internet connection and ensure you have your Microsoft account login credentials handy, as you will need to access your files via the web.
Access Shared Folders via the OneDrive Website
Since this is a known synchronization bug currently being addressed by Microsoft, the most reliable workaround is to access your shared folders directly through your web browser.
Microsoft is aware that shared folders added to 'My Files' are incorrectly converting to .url internet shortcuts in the local file explorer. Until an official patch is released to the OneDrive desktop client, local synchronization for these specific shared folders will remain broken.
Launch your preferred web browser and navigate to the official OneDrive website at onedrive.live.com.
Log in using the Microsoft account credentials associated with the shared folders you are trying to access.
Click on the 'Shared' tab in the left-hand navigation pane to view and manage all the files and folders that have been shared with you.
Remove and Re-add the Shortcut Online
In some instances, removing the glitched .url shortcut and attempting to re-add it from the web interface might temporarily prompt the system to restore normal folder functionality.
Experience seamless document management with WPS Office
Tired of synchronization bugs disrupting your productivity? Switch to WPS Office, a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office. It integrates effortlessly with multiple cloud storage platforms, ensuring your documents are always accessible and flawlessly formatted.
- 1. Download and install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device in minutes.
- 2. Connect your cloud storage: Open WPS Office and link your preferred cloud drive to access your documents without relying solely on local system synchronization.
- 3. Edit and collaborate instantly: Open your Office files directly from your connected cloud and enjoy smooth editing, seamless saving, and easy sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my OneDrive shared folder suddenly turn into a .url internet shortcut?
This is due to a known Microsoft OneDrive synchronization issue where shortcuts to shared folders fail to resolve as local directories. Instead of syncing the folder contents, the system defaults to creating browser shortcuts. Microsoft is aware of the problem and is developing a fix.
Can I still access my shared files if they appear as .url shortcuts?
Yes. You can access all your shared files and folders by double-clicking the .url file, which will automatically open the corresponding folder in your web browser. Alternatively, you can log in directly at onedrive.live.com and click the 'Shared' tab.
Is there a permanent fix for the OneDrive .url shared folder bug?
As of now, there is no permanent local fix or user-end configuration to resolve this. Users must wait for Microsoft to release an official update that patches the desktop sync client. Using the OneDrive web interface remains the best temporary solution.
