'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix an Empty OneDrive Shared Folder for Guest Users
Question details
A shared OneDrive for Business folder shows up in File Explorer but does not display any files for a guest user, even though the files are accessible via the web browser.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive for Business
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to locally sync and access files from a shared OneDrive for Business folder as an external guest user.
- Observed behavior
- The shared folder successfully synchronizes and appears in File Explorer, but the contents remain completely empty. The files are only visible when the user accesses the folder through the OneDrive web interface.
Before proceeding with local troubleshooting, ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify that you can still see all the shared files when logging into your OneDrive account via a web browser.
Reset the OneDrive Sync App and Re-link Your Account
Resetting the OneDrive desktop application can clear corrupted local sync caches that prevent shared files from downloading to your computer.
Often, a stalled background process or an outdated synchronization token will cause folders to appear empty locally. Resetting the app forces OneDrive to perform a fresh check of all synced directories.
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset and press Enter.
Wait a few minutes. If the OneDrive cloud icon doesn't reappear in the system tray, open the Start menu, search for OneDrive, and launch it manually.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar, select the Gear icon (Settings), and navigate to the Account tab. Click 'Unlink this PC', then sign back in with your credentials to recreate the synchronization connection.
Verify Guest Permissions with the Host Tenant Administrator
Because you are accessing the folder as a guest user, the issue might stem from the host organization's external sharing policies or Microsoft 365 tenant settings.
Experience Seamless File Sharing with WPS Office
Struggling with complex Microsoft 365 tenant settings, external guest permissions, and empty folder sync issues? WPS Office offers a lightweight, completely free alternative that integrates smoothly with your daily workflow. Enjoy intuitive cloud sharing without the corporate syncing headaches.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Save to WPS Cloud: Sign in to activate your free WPS Cloud space and save your documents directly to the cloud.
- 3. Share with Ease: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner of any document to instantly generate a secure, easy-to-access link for any guest or collaborator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I see shared OneDrive files in my browser but not in File Explorer?
This discrepancy usually happens due to a local sync cache error, an outdated OneDrive client, or strict external sharing policies set by the host organization that intentionally block local desktop synchronization for guest accounts.
Does resetting or reinstalling OneDrive delete my files?
No, resetting, unlinking, or uninstalling the OneDrive desktop app does not delete your cloud files. They remain safely stored on Microsoft's servers and will sync back to your computer once the app is reconnected.
Can a guest user open a Microsoft support ticket for OneDrive sharing issues?
Typically, guest users cannot open direct support tickets for cross-tenant sharing policies. The IT administrator of the organization hosting the files must raise the request with Microsoft Support through their Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
