OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Error: You Are Already Syncing a Shortcut

John Wilson Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to sync a SharePoint document library due to an error stating that a shortcut to the folder is already being synced.

How to Fix OneDrive Error: You Are Already Syncing a Shortcut

Product: Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sync a shared SharePoint library folder to a local computer using the OneDrive client.
Observed behavior: OneDrive blocks the synchronization process and displays the error message: 'You are already syncing a shortcut to a folder from this shared library.'

Before you start

Before proceeding, ensure your OneDrive application is fully updated and temporarily pause syncing to prevent active conflicts while modifying your folder structures.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove the Linked Shortcut in OneDrive for Business Web

Deleting the existing shortcut from the web interface usually resolves the conflict preventing the SharePoint library from syncing.

Microsoft OneDrive does not allow you to simultaneously sync a SharePoint library and maintain a shortcut to that same library in your 'My files' section. Removing the shortcut breaks this conflict.

Open OneDrive for Business

Locate the Conflicting Shortcut

Navigate to 'My files' and look for the folder shortcut that is linked to the SharePoint document library you are trying to sync. It will typically have a small link icon on the folder.

Remove the Shortcut

Select the shortcut, click the three dots (More options) next to the folder name, and choose 'Remove' or 'Remove shortcut' from the dropdown menu.

Retry Syncing

Once the shortcut is removed, return to the SharePoint document library in your browser and click the 'Sync' button to successfully connect the library to your local PC.

Remove the Linked Shortcut in OneDrive for Business Web

Sync Restored: Removing the shortcut does not delete the actual files; it only removes the link, allowing the direct sync connection to establish properly.

Solution 2

Check Other Accounts and Devices for Hidden Shortcuts

If you cannot find the shortcut in your main folder, it might be nested in a subfolder or synced from a different device.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get the 'You are already syncing a shortcut' error in OneDrive?

This error occurs because Microsoft does not allow you to sync the same SharePoint library via a direct 'Sync' connection and a 'Shortcut' in your OneDrive at the same time. This restriction prevents duplicate files and syncing conflicts.

What should I do if I cannot find the shortcut causing the OneDrive error?

If the shortcut isn't visible in your local OneDrive desktop folder, open OneDrive for Business in your web browser. Look carefully through the 'My files' section and subfolders, or check if the shortcut is active on another device connected to your account.

Can I keep the shortcut and still sync the SharePoint document library?

No, you must choose one method. You can either keep the shortcut in your 'My files' section for quick access, or you can remove the shortcut and use the 'Sync' button in the SharePoint library to sync the folder directly to your computer.

Document & File Issues