OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Shared Folders Showing as URL Shortcut Files

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are experiencing an issue where newer OneDrive shared folders appear in My Files as .url internet shortcuts rather than native folders.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accessing newly added shared folders within the local OneDrive directory via File Explorer.
Observed behavior: The shared folder synchronizes as a .url file, which launches a webpage instead of opening the directory locally within the file manager.

Before you start

Verify that your local OneDrive client is fully updated, and ensure you have active internet connectivity to test access via the web version.

Solution 1Recommended

Access Shared Folders via OneDrive Web Interface

Since this is a known server-side synchronization bug, using the web interface is the most reliable workaround to access your files natively.

Microsoft is aware of the long-standing bug where folder shortcuts are misidentified as .url files. While a permanent server-side fix is pending, the files themselves remain completely safe and accessible online.

Log into OneDrive on the web

Open your preferred web browser and navigate to onedrive.live.com, then log in with your Microsoft account credentials.

Navigate to the Shared section

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

Access your files directly

Click on the specific shared folder to view, edit, and download your files natively within the browser, bypassing the local shortcut error.

Temporary Workaround: Older shared folders often continue to work locally. This issue predominantly affects newly added shared folder shortcuts.

Solution 2

Remove and Re-add the Shortcut to My Files

Resetting the shortcut connection can sometimes prompt OneDrive to properly recognize the item as a folder instead of an internet shortcut.

Solution 3

Submit Diagnostic Details to Microsoft Support

Reporting your specific instance with diagnostic logs helps prioritize a permanent fix for this premium storage feature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my OneDrive shared folders turning into internet shortcuts?

This is a known Microsoft synchronization issue where the local OneDrive client fails to process the folder metadata correctly, defaulting to saving the web link (.url) instead of mirroring the actual directory structure.

Can I manually convert the .url file back into a standard folder?

No, you cannot directly convert a .url file into a folder by renaming it. You must rely on the OneDrive sync client to fetch it correctly. If it fails, removing and re-adding the shortcut via OneDrive web is the best troubleshooting step.

Does this shortcut issue affect older shared folders in OneDrive?

Typically, older shared folders that were synced to your local drive before this bug emerged continue to display and function as standard folders. The issue generally appears when syncing newer shared folders.

Are my files safe if they show up as .url internet shortcuts?

Yes, your files are completely safe. The issue is only with how the local shortcut is displayed on your computer. Your files remain intact and fully accessible via the OneDrive website.

Document & File Issues