OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix a Shared OneDrive Folder Not Syncing to Your Computer

Camila Milosovich Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to sync a shared OneDrive folder to their local computer after unlinking and relinking the account, and the 'Sync' button is missing.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to synchronize a shared cloud folder to the local desktop client via a 'My files' shortcut after reconnecting the OneDrive account.
Observed behavior: The shared folder appears online and can be added as a shortcut, but fails to download to the local computer and lacks a Sync button in the web interface.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify with the folder owner that your access permissions have not been altered or revoked.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Desktop Client

Resetting the OneDrive client can resolve underlying synchronization bugs and force the app to refresh all file and folder connections.

Sometimes the local OneDrive cache becomes corrupted, especially after unlinking and relinking an account. A quick reset restores the default sync behavior without deleting any of your actual files.

Open the Run Command

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.

Execute the Reset Command

Type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' into the Run window and press Enter or click OK.

Restart OneDrive

Wait for the OneDrive icon in the system tray to disappear and reappear. If it does not reappear after a few minutes, open the Start menu, search for OneDrive, and launch it manually.

File Safety: Resetting OneDrive will not result in data loss. It merely forces the application to re-check all files and resync shortcuts.

Solution 2

Re-add the Shared Folder Shortcut via OneDrive Web

Removing and re-adding the shortcut from the web interface can prompt the local client to recognize and sync the folder properly.

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1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free office suite for your operating system.
2. Connect Your Cloud Drive: Open WPS Office, navigate to the Cloud files section in the homepage sidebar, and sign in to your OneDrive account.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 'Sync' button missing on my shared OneDrive folder?

The 'Sync' button may disappear if the shared folder has already been added as a shortcut to 'My files', or if the owner of the folder has restricted sync permissions for guest users.

Can I sync a shared folder without adding it as a shortcut to My files?

Generally, to view and sync a shared folder in your local File Explorer, you must use the 'Add shortcut to My files' feature in the OneDrive web interface.

Does unlinking and relinking my OneDrive account delete any files?

No. Unlinking simply signs you out and stops the local sync process. Your files remain safely stored in the cloud and will resume synchronizing once you sign back in.

What should I do if resetting the OneDrive client does not work?

If resetting fails to fix the sync issue, record your current OneDrive application version, your account type (Personal or Business), and contact Microsoft Support for advanced troubleshooting.

Document & File Issues