How to Fix OneDrive Backup Errors Caused by a Junction or Symbolic Link
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where OneDrive stops backing up files due to the presence of a directory junction or symbolic link in a synchronized folder.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to back up or synchronize system folders like Documents to OneDrive, but the process fails midway.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive halts the synchronization process and displays an error. The problematic item inside the sync folder typically appears as a folder icon with a small blue shortcut arrow.
Ensure you are logged into Windows with an administrator account, as you may need system privileges to modify or remove directory junctions and symbolic links.
Locate and Relocate the Problematic Symbolic Link
Identify the specific junction point or symbolic link causing the OneDrive sync error and move it outside of the synchronized directory.
OneDrive is designed to synchronize actual files and folders. It does not natively support syncing directory junctions or symbolic links, which are essentially shortcuts pointing to other locations on your hard drive. When OneDrive encounters these links (often found in legacy folders like 'My Music' inside Documents), the backup process stops to prevent data loops or corruption.
Press Windows Key + E to open File Explorer and navigate to the OneDrive folder that is failing to sync (for example, your Documents folder).
Look through the files and subfolders for any folder icon that has a small blue shortcut arrow in the bottom-left corner. This indicates that the item is a symbolic link or directory junction.
Right-click the identified symbolic link and select 'Cut', then paste it into a directory outside of your OneDrive sync folders (such as directly on your C: drive). If the link is unnecessary, you can simply delete it.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, select the gear icon for Settings, and click 'Pause syncing'. Wait a few seconds, then click 'Resume syncing' to allow OneDrive to scan the folder and complete the backup.
Exclude the Affected Folder from OneDrive Backup
If you cannot remove the symbolic link, you can exclude the parent folder from OneDrive's PC folder backup.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management and Cloud Sync
If you frequently encounter complex synchronization errors with OneDrive and Microsoft Office, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a powerful, lightweight alternative that features built-in, reliable cloud storage, ensuring your documents are securely backed up without dealing with complicated directory junction errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a directory junction or symbolic link?
A directory junction or symbolic link is an advanced Windows shortcut that points to another file or folder on your system. Unlike standard shortcuts, the operating system treats them as if the target files actually exist in that location. OneDrive struggles to back these up because it attempts to sync the actual data, which can lead to endless loops or errors.
How can I visually identify a symbolic link in Windows?
In Windows File Explorer, a symbolic link or junction point typically appears as a standard folder icon, but it will have a small blue arrow overlay in the bottom-left corner, much like a traditional shortcut.
Can I force OneDrive to sync a symbolic link?
No, OneDrive officially does not support the synchronization of directory junctions or symbolic links. To back up the contents of the target folder, you must move the actual folder into the OneDrive directory instead of using a link.
Will deleting a symbolic link delete the actual files?
Deleting the symbolic link or junction point itself generally only removes the reference, not the actual target files it points to. However, to be completely safe, it is highly recommended to move the link out of the OneDrive folder rather than deleting it immediately.
