OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Shared Folder Appearing as .URL Shortcut

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing an issue where shared folders added via 'Create shortcut to My files' in OneDrive appear as internet (.url) shortcuts rather than actual folders in File Explorer.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Trying to sync and access shared OneDrive folders offline using File Explorer.
Observed behavior: The shared folder is created as a .url internet shortcut, preventing offline access and standard folder navigation. Microsoft has acknowledged this behavior.

Before you start

Ensure your OneDrive desktop application is updated to the latest version and verify your internet connection before checking your folder sync status.

Solution 1Recommended

Report the .URL Shortcut Issue via OneDrive Feedback

Since Microsoft has acknowledged this behavior as a known issue, submitting direct feedback helps them track and prioritize a permanent fix for offline folder access.

This behavior is a known limitation currently being investigated by Microsoft. Providing your specific operating system and OneDrive client version helps their engineering team develop a comprehensive patch.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click on the OneDrive cloud icon located in your Windows system tray (bottom right corner of your screen).

Navigate to Help & Suggestions

Click on the 'Help & Settings' gear icon in the top right corner of the OneDrive flyout menu, then select 'Send feedback' or 'Help & Suggestions'.

Submit the Issue Report

Describe that your shared folder shortcut is being created as a .url file instead of a real folder, explicitly mentioning that this prevents offline access. Be sure to include your current OS and OneDrive version in the description before submitting.

Microsoft Tracking: The more users report this specific .url shortcut behavior, the faster Microsoft can implement a permanent resolution.

Solution 2

Access Shared Folders via OneDrive Web (Workaround)

While waiting for a permanent fix for File Explorer, you can still access, manage, and download your shared files using the web version of OneDrive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my OneDrive shared folder showing as an internet shortcut?

This is a known behavior currently acknowledged by Microsoft. When using the 'Create shortcut to My files' feature for a shared folder, OneDrive sometimes creates a .url web link instead of syncing the actual folder contents locally to File Explorer.

Can I access a .url OneDrive shortcut while offline?

No, .url files are internet shortcuts that require an active network connection to redirect you to the web version of OneDrive. To work offline, the actual files must be fully synced or downloaded manually.

Will reinstalling the OneDrive app fix the shared folder shortcut issue?

Reinstalling the OneDrive application typically does not resolve this specific issue, as it is a recognized bug on Microsoft's server end. Submitting feedback with your OS and client version is the best way to prompt a permanent update from Microsoft.

Document & File Issues