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Fix OneDrive Shared Folders Showing as Internet Links in File Explorer
Question details
Users are unable to access OneDrive shared folders offline because the folders sync as internet links rather than local directories.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to access and synchronize shared OneDrive folders locally through File Explorer for offline editing.
- Observed behavior
- Shared folders that previously synchronized correctly now appear exclusively as Internet shortcut links in File Explorer, preventing users from keeping local copies.
Ensure your computer is connected to the internet and that your OneDrive desktop client is signed in and currently running in the system tray.
Re-add the Shared Folder Shortcut via OneDrive Web
Refreshing the synchronization connection by removing and re-adding the shortcut through the OneDrive web portal can sometimes bypass the internet link bug.
Microsoft has acknowledged a known bug affecting shared-folder synchronization. While they investigate a permanent resolution, manually resetting the shortcut from the web version of OneDrive is the recommended first step.
Open your web browser, navigate to the OneDrive website, and sign in with the Microsoft account associated with the shared folders.
Go to the 'My files' section, locate the problematic shared folder internet link, right-click it, and select 'Remove' to delete the broken shortcut.
Navigate to the 'Shared' tab on the left sidebar, find the folder shared with you, select it, and click 'Add shortcut to My files' from the top menu.
Open the OneDrive app from your Windows system tray, click the Settings gear icon, and pause then resume syncing to force File Explorer to fetch the new folder structure.
Download Files Manually for Offline Access
Since the automated sync is converting folders to web links, manually downloading the files allows you to retain local copies until Microsoft deploys a fix.
Use WPS Office and WPS Cloud for Reliable File Sharing
Frustrated by OneDrive synchronization bugs and internet link shortcuts? WPS Office offers a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office. With built-in WPS Cloud, you can reliably sync, share, and collaborate on documents without dealing with broken third-party shortcuts.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and follow the lightweight installation process.
- 2. Sign in to WPS Cloud: Create or sign in to your WPS account to activate your free cloud storage space directly within the application.
- 3. Collaborate and Share: Save your documents to WPS Cloud and generate sharing links or invite collaborators with guaranteed cross-device synchronization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my OneDrive shared folders suddenly turn into internet links?
This is a known Microsoft synchronization issue. A recent change or bug in the OneDrive infrastructure caused shared folders added to 'My files' to display as internet shortcuts instead of synchronizing as actual local directories in File Explorer.
Has Microsoft resolved the shared folder sync issue yet?
Microsoft is actively aware of this bug and is currently investigating a resolution. Users are advised to regularly check Microsoft's Service Health dashboard and install any pending Windows or OneDrive client updates.
Can I edit the files in the internet link offline?
No. Because the internet link simply redirects you to the OneDrive website, you must have an active internet connection to open it. For offline editing, you must manually download the files to your local drive first.
Will rolling back my OneDrive client fix the issue?
Typically, no. The issue stems from a server-side configuration and synchronization protocol change managed by Microsoft, meaning local client rollbacks will likely not restore the local folder functionality.
