SharePoint Document Issues

Fix SharePoint Library Not Showing in File Explorer After Sync

Bushra Parveen Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user synced a SharePoint document library using OneDrive, but the synced library folder fails to appear in Windows File Explorer despite OneDrive reporting a successful sync.

Fix SharePoint Library Not Showing in File Explorer After Sync

Product: SharePoint and OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to sync a SharePoint document library to a local computer to access files directly from Windows File Explorer.
Observed behavior: OneDrive reports the library is already synced, but the folder is missing from the designated organization folder in Windows File Explorer.

Before you start

Ensure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account on your OneDrive desktop app and verify your internet connection before attempting to modify sync settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Check for OneDrive Folder Shortcuts

Sometimes a SharePoint library is added as a shortcut to your personal OneDrive folder rather than synced as an independent library.

When you use the 'Add shortcut to OneDrive' feature in SharePoint instead of 'Sync', the library integrates into your primary OneDrive folder rather than creating a separate organization folder in File Explorer. This often causes confusion as the files are present but located in a different directory.

Open File Explorer

Launch Windows File Explorer from your taskbar or press the Windows Key + E.

Navigate to Personal OneDrive

Click on your standard local OneDrive folder (e.g., 'OneDrive - [Your Company]') on the left-hand navigation pane.

Locate the Shortcut

Look for a folder containing a small link icon over it that matches the name of your SharePoint library. Your files are accessible from this shortcut.

Shortcut vs. Sync Limitations: If you previously used 'Add shortcut to OneDrive', you cannot simultaneously use the 'Sync' button for the same folder. You must remove the shortcut from OneDrive on the web before the traditional Sync option will work.

Solution 2

Reset the OneDrive Desktop App

Resetting OneDrive can resolve underlying sync cache issues that prevent the SharePoint library from displaying properly in File Explorer.

Solution 3

Review Sync Settings and Reconnect

Verify which locations are actively syncing in your OneDrive settings and try unlinking your account to force a fresh connection.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management

If you frequently encounter frustrating sync issues with SharePoint or OneDrive, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, reliable alternative that offers powerful local editing, built-in cloud storage, and robust file management without the complex sync errors.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite for your Windows PC.
2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your downloaded SharePoint or local documents directly from File Explorer.
3. Save and Sync Smoothly: Edit your files and utilize WPS Cloud to automatically save and sync your work across all your connected devices without sync conflicts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive say I am already syncing this SharePoint library?

OneDrive will report a library as already synced if you have previously added it as a shortcut to your 'My files' section in OneDrive. You cannot use both the shortcut method and the direct sync method for the same library simultaneously.

Where do SharePoint files typically appear in Windows File Explorer?

Unlike personal OneDrive files, directly synced SharePoint libraries usually appear in File Explorer under a separate node with a building icon, named after your organization (e.g., 'Contoso'), rather than inside your standard OneDrive folder.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my local files or SharePoint data?

No, resetting the OneDrive app only clears local sync configurations, app settings, and caches to resolve glitches. Your actual files, both locally and in the cloud, remain perfectly safe and intact.

How do I remove a OneDrive shortcut so I can sync the library normally?

Log into OneDrive on the web, navigate to 'My files', locate the folder with the link icon representing the SharePoint library, right-click it, and select 'Remove'. After a few moments, the change will update locally, allowing you to click the 'Sync' button in SharePoint.

Document & File Issues