OneDrive File Issues

How to Copy Shared OneDrive Files to Your Own OneDrive

Natalie Taylor Sep 25, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user wants to save an independent, permanent copy of shared OneDrive files or folders to their personal OneDrive account.

How to Copy Shared OneDrive Files to Your Own OneDrive

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The user has been granted access to a shared folder but needs to ensure they retain permanent access by creating a personal copy instead of relying on a shared link.
Observed behavior: Saving a shared folder as a shortcut only creates a link; it does not create a true copy. If the original owner deletes the shared folder or revokes permissions, the shortcut stops working and access is lost.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into your Microsoft account on OneDrive for Web, as copying shared files is most reliably done through the browser interface, and verify you have enough available personal storage space for the copied files.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the 'Copy to' Feature on OneDrive Web

The most effective way to make an independent copy of shared files is by using the native 'Copy to' function within the OneDrive web interface.

This method creates a completely separate version of the files in your personal drive. Any changes made by the original owner after copying will not reflect in your copy, and your files will remain secure even if the owner stops sharing.

Open OneDrive on the Web

Navigate to the OneDrive website in your browser and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Access Shared Files

Click on the 'Shared' tab located in the left-hand navigation pane to view all files and folders currently shared with you.

Select the Target Files

Open the specific shared folder and check the circles next to the individual files or subfolders you want to copy.

Click 'Copy to'

Select the 'Copy to' option from the top toolbar. A destination pane will appear on the right side of the screen.

Choose Destination and Copy

Select 'My files' or navigate to a specific folder within your own OneDrive, then click 'Copy here'. Allow the process to complete.

Use the 'Copy to' Feature on OneDrive Web

Independent Copy Created: The copied files will now remain safely in your personal OneDrive account, entirely independent of the original shared folder.

Solution 2

Download and Re-upload Files Manually

If you encounter permission issues or the 'Copy to' button is unavailable, you can manually download the shared files and upload them back to your personal OneDrive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'Add shortcut to My files' not create a real copy?

Adding a shortcut simply creates a quick-access link to the original owner's file. It does not duplicate the data or transfer ownership. If the original owner deletes the file or stops sharing it, your shortcut will become invalid.

Can I copy an entire shared folder at once?

OneDrive Web sometimes restricts copying entire large shared folders directly from the root level. If you face this issue, you need to open the shared folder and select the individual files or subfolders inside to use the 'Copy to' feature successfully.

Does the original owner get notified when I copy their shared files?

No. When you use the 'Copy to' or download feature to save shared files to your personal OneDrive, the original owner does not receive any notification. The newly created copies are entirely private to your account.

What happens to my file storage limits when I copy shared files?

Shared files accessed via a link do not count against your personal OneDrive storage limit. However, once you copy those files into your own 'My files' directory, they become your independent property and will consume your personal storage quota.

Document & File Issues