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How to Fix OneDrive Add Shortcut to My Files and Sync Limitations
Question details
Users in a Microsoft 365 Family subscription are unable to consistently add shared OneDrive folders as shortcuts to 'My Files' or sync them locally.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to add shortcuts for shared family folders to personal 'My Files' and syncing them to a local device.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Add shortcut to My files' option is missing for some users, preventing local folder synchronization connected to the family owner's storage limit.
Ensure all users are signed in with the correct personal Microsoft account linked to the Microsoft 365 Family subscription and are using the latest version of the OneDrive desktop client.
Verify Folder Permissions and Re-add the Shortcut
Ensure that the user has the correct 'Edit' permissions required to add and sync shared folders to their personal My Files.
OneDrive requires users to have editing permissions on a shared folder before they can add it as a shortcut to their own files and sync it locally. If a folder is shared with 'View-only' access, the shortcut option will not appear.
Sign in to the OneDrive website using your Microsoft account and click on 'Shared' in the left-hand navigation pane.
Locate the folder shared by the family owner. Ensure you have 'Can edit' permissions. If not, request the owner to update your sharing permissions.
Select the folder and click 'Add shortcut to My files' at the top menu.
Open the OneDrive desktop client on your computer. The newly added shortcut will appear in your local OneDrive folder and begin syncing automatically.
Contact Microsoft Support for Account-Specific Service Issues
Report missing shortcut options to Microsoft Support, as this is a known issue affecting specific accounts.
Experience Seamless File Syncing with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter syncing and sharing limitations with Microsoft 365, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with built-in WPS Cloud storage, making family and team file collaboration reliable and effortless.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office from the official website and complete the quick installation process.
- 2. Sign In to WPS Cloud: Create a free account or sign in to access your built-in WPS Cloud storage.
- 3. Share and Sync Instantly: Save your documents to WPS Cloud to automatically sync them across your PC, Mac, and mobile devices, and share folders via a simple link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'Add shortcut to My files' missing in my OneDrive?
This option may be missing if you only have view-only access to the shared folder, if you are not signed into the correct account, or due to a known service bug affecting certain Microsoft 365 Family accounts.
Can I sync a shared OneDrive folder if I only have view access?
No, Microsoft OneDrive requires you to have edit access to a shared folder before you can add it as a shortcut to 'My Files' and synchronize it with your local computer.
Does adding a shared folder shortcut use my personal OneDrive storage quota?
No. When you add a shortcut to a shared folder, the files inside do not count against your personal OneDrive storage limit. They only count against the storage quota of the folder owner.
How do I remove a shared folder shortcut from my local device?
To remove the shortcut, open your OneDrive folder locally or on the web, right-click the folder shortcut, and select 'Remove'. This will delete the shortcut from your files without deleting the actual shared folder or its contents.
