OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix Invalid OneDrive Folder Shortcut Target on Windows

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to open a OneDrive shared folder locally because it has turned into an invalid Internet shortcut.

How to Fix Invalid OneDrive Folder Shortcut Target on Windows

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to access or open synced shared folders via Windows File Explorer.
Observed behavior: The synced shared folder displays as an invalid URL shortcut file and fails to open locally, forcing the user to access files through the web version.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active internet connection and your Microsoft account credentials ready, as you will need to access your files online while this system bug is being addressed.

Solution 1Recommended

Access Shared Folders via OneDrive Web

Since this is a known Microsoft bug currently under investigation, the official workaround is to access and manage your shared files directly through the OneDrive web portal.

Microsoft has acknowledged a synchronization issue where shared folders on Windows are mistakenly converted into internet shortcuts (.url files). While their engineering team works on a permanent patch, users must bypass File Explorer.

Navigate to OneDrive

Open your preferred web browser and go to the official OneDrive.com website.

Log in to your account

Enter your Microsoft email and password to log into the account associated with the affected shared folders.

Open the Shared section

On the left-hand navigation pane, click on the 'Shared' tab to view files and folders shared with you.

Access your files

Locate the folder that is failing to open on your desktop, click it to open, and manage or download your files directly from the browser.

Automatic Restoration: Do not delete the invalid shortcut files on your Windows machine. Once Microsoft deploys the fix, these URL shortcuts will automatically convert back into standard synced folders.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Reliable File Management

While waiting for Microsoft to resolve the OneDrive shortcut issue, consider using WPS Office for your document needs. It offers seamless cloud integration, ensuring you can always access, edit, and save your essential files safely.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your Windows PC.
2. Connect Cloud Storage: Open WPS Office, go to the Cloud section, and link your preferred alternative cloud storage to access files seamlessly.
3. Edit Files Directly: Open, edit, and save your documents directly to the cloud without relying on Windows File Explorer sync.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Built-in cloud integration for Google Drive, Dropbox, and WPS Cloud to bypass local sync errors.Lightweight, fast, and runs smoothly on all major Windows versions.Familiar user interface that requires zero learning curve for easy migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my synced OneDrive folder turn into an internet shortcut?

This happens due to a known bug in Microsoft's synchronization engine on Windows. Instead of syncing the actual directory, the system mistakenly generates an unusable .url internet shortcut file.

Should I delete the invalid shortcut files from File Explorer?

No, you should leave the shortcut files exactly as they are. Microsoft has confirmed that once the synchronization issue is officially patched, these shortcuts will automatically revert to normal folders.

Is there a way to fix the shortcut manually on my computer?

Currently, there is no manual fix or registry edit that permanently resolves this issue. The problem stems from Microsoft's server-side syncing process, meaning users must wait for an official update and use OneDrive.com in the meantime.

Document & File Issues