OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Shared Folders Appearing as Internet Shortcuts

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are experiencing an issue where shared folders in OneDrive duplicate, consume extra storage, and turn into internet shortcut URLs instead of normal local folders.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Synchronizing and accessing shared folders across multiple OneDrive accounts via File Explorer.
Observed behavior: Shared folders are converted into internet shortcuts (.url) instead of behaving as normal, locally synced directories.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active internet connection and can log into your Microsoft account via a web browser to verify that your cloud files are still intact.

Solution 1Recommended

Access Folders via OneDrive Web and Report the Issue

Since this is an acknowledged Microsoft bug, the most reliable workaround is to use the web version of OneDrive while waiting for an official patch from Microsoft.

Microsoft has recognized that shared folders sometimes incorrectly sync as internet shortcuts in File Explorer. Because this involves Microsoft's backend synchronization protocol, no permanent local fix exists until an update is rolled out.

Open OneDrive Web

Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft OneDrive website.

Sign into your account

Enter your Microsoft account credentials to log into the account containing the affected shared folders.

Navigate to Shared files

Click on the 'Shared' tab located on the left-hand navigation pane to view and manage your shared folders normally.

Submit feedback to Microsoft

Visit the OneDrive Feedback Portal to report your experience or vote on existing threads regarding the shortcut issue to help Microsoft prioritize the fix.

Permanent Fix Required: Do not repeatedly delete and re-add shortcuts, as this may lead to further file duplication and storage consumption. A permanent fix must come directly from a Microsoft update.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my synced OneDrive folders suddenly become internet shortcuts?

This occurs due to a known synchronization bug within Microsoft OneDrive. The system incorrectly processes the file paths for shared folders, converting them into web URLs (.url files) instead of maintaining them as standard directories in your File Explorer.

Will clicking the internet shortcut delete my local files?

No, clicking the internet shortcut will not delete your files. It will simply launch your default web browser and open the specific shared folder through the OneDrive web interface, where your files remain safely stored in the cloud.

Can I fix this by reinstalling the OneDrive desktop application?

Reinstalling or resetting the OneDrive desktop app typically does not resolve this specific issue, as the root cause lies within Microsoft's server-side synchronization protocols. Users must wait for Microsoft to deploy a permanent update.

How can I access my shared folders without using the internet shortcut?

Until Microsoft releases a permanent fix, the most reliable method is to completely bypass File Explorer. Go directly to onedrive.com in your web browser, sign in, and click the 'Shared' section on the left menu to view all your shared content.

Document & File Issues