OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix Invalid OneDrive Game Folder Path in Start In Setting

Aamir Naveed Akram Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

Windows reports an invalid folder path in a game shortcut's 'Start In' setting due to OneDrive synchronization or redirection.

Fixing the Invalid OneDrive Game Folder Path in the 'Start In' Setting

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Launching a game via a desktop shortcut that is synced or redirected by OneDrive.
Observed behavior: The system throws an error stating that the folder specified in the 'Start In' field is invalid, preventing the game or application from launching.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows account and verify the actual local installation path of the game on your hard drive before modifying any shortcut properties.

Solution 1Recommended

Update the Shortcut's 'Start In' Path

Manually correct the shortcut properties to point to the exact local directory instead of the OneDrive synced folder.

When OneDrive syncs your Desktop, it changes the directory path to include the OneDrive folder. If a game requires its original local path to load assets, the shortcut will fail. Updating the 'Start In' field to the true local directory resolves this conflict.

Open Shortcut Properties

Right-click the problematic game shortcut on your desktop and select 'Properties' from the context menu.

Navigate to the Shortcut Tab

Click on the 'Shortcut' tab at the top of the Properties window to view the target and working directory settings.

Edit the 'Start In' Field

Locate the 'Start In' field. Delete the current OneDrive path and type or paste the exact local folder path where the game is installed (e.g., C:\Games\MyGame).

Apply Changes

Click 'Apply', then click 'OK' to save your changes. Double-click the shortcut to verify the game launches correctly.

Path Verification: Make sure you include quotation marks around the path in the 'Start In' field if the folder path contains any spaces.

Solution 2

Recreate the Game Shortcut

Create a fresh shortcut directly from the local executable to ensure all path settings are automatically configured correctly.

Solution 3

Exclude the Game Folder from OneDrive Sync

Prevent OneDrive from interfering with the game files by moving the installation out of the synced directory or altering sync settings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive change my shortcut paths?

When OneDrive Desktop backup is enabled, it moves your Desktop folder to the cloud directory (e.g., C:\Users\[Name]\OneDrive\Desktop). This alters the file paths of your shortcuts, which can cause conflicts if the target application relies on a specific local working directory.

What is the 'Start In' field in a Windows shortcut?

The 'Start In' field specifies the working directory for the application. Games and complex programs often require this field to accurately point to their local installation folder so they can locate essential assets and configuration files upon launch.

Can I stop OneDrive from syncing specific local folders?

Yes, you can manage this by opening OneDrive Settings, navigating to Account, and selecting 'Choose folders'. Here, you can uncheck specific directories you want to exclude from synchronization and keep strictly local.

Will recreating a desktop shortcut delete my game save data?

No, deleting and recreating a desktop shortcut only replaces the executable link to the application. It does not affect your actual game installation, configuration settings, or save files.

Document & File Issues