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How to Add and Sync Multiple OneDrive Shared Folders in File Explorer
Question details
The user wants to know how to add and synchronize multiple unrelated shared folders from OneDrive into Windows File Explorer for bulk access and easier local management.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Managing and organizing multiple folders shared by other users in a local file management interface rather than working strictly in the web browser.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive lacks a bulk-add feature for unrelated shared folders, requiring users to add each folder individually to their personal OneDrive before it can be synced to File Explorer.
Ensure you have the OneDrive desktop application installed and running on your computer, and verify that you have edit permissions for the shared folders, as well as enough available storage in your personal OneDrive account.
Manually Add and Sync Shared Folders via OneDrive Web
Since OneDrive does not support bulk-adding unrelated shared folders at once, you must log into the web interface and individually add each shared folder to your 'My Files' so they can sync to File Explorer.
Adding a shared folder to your personal OneDrive creates a shortcut that syncs directly with your desktop. Once added, these folders will automatically appear in your local File Explorer under the main OneDrive directory, provided the desktop client is actively syncing.
Open your preferred web browser, go to the OneDrive website, and log in with your Microsoft account credentials.
On the left-hand navigation pane, click on the 'Shared' tab to view all files and folders that have been shared with you.
Click to open the first shared folder you wish to sync. On the top menu bar, click on 'Add to my OneDrive' or 'Add shortcut to My files'.
Go back to the 'Shared' tab and repeat the previous step for every other shared folder you need to access locally.
Open File Explorer on your Windows PC and navigate to your OneDrive folder. The shared folders you added will begin syncing and appear alongside your personal files.
Edit Your Synced OneDrive Documents with WPS Office
If you are working with multiple shared documents via OneDrive, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and incredibly fast alternative to Microsoft Office. It seamlessly opens files synced to your File Explorer and keeps your desktop organized with its all-in-one tabbed interface.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the quick installation process.
- 2. Access Your Synced Files: Open WPS Office, click on 'Open', and navigate to your synced OneDrive directory in File Explorer.
- 3. Edit and Save: Open any shared Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document to edit it. Changes will be saved locally and automatically synced back to the shared folder by OneDrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I group these shared folders into one master folder in File Explorer?
Yes. Once you have added the shared folders to your OneDrive via the web, you can open File Explorer, create a new folder (e.g., 'Shared Folders') inside your OneDrive directory, and simply move the synced shared shortcuts into this new folder for better organization.
Why is the 'Add to my OneDrive' button missing?
This usually occurs if you only have 'View' permissions for the shared folder. You must be granted 'Edit' permissions by the folder owner to add and sync it to your local File Explorer. It also will not appear if the folder is already added to your personal files.
Will removing the synced folder from my File Explorer delete it for everyone?
If you simply 'Remove shortcut' via the web interface or right-click context menu, it just stops syncing to your device. However, if you directly delete files from inside the shared folder in File Explorer, those files will be moved to the recycle bin for everyone if you have edit access.
