OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Shared Folders Appearing as Web Links Instead of Folders

Huma Ashraf Ch Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are encountering an issue where OneDrive shared folders are showing up as internet shortcuts rather than normally synchronized local folders.

Fix OneDrive Shared Folders Appearing as Web Links

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Accessing and synchronizing shared directories via the local OneDrive application in File Explorer.
Observed behavior: Shared folders added to OneDrive appear in the root folder as URL shortcuts (.url) instead of synchronized local folders.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify that your OneDrive client is signed into the correct Microsoft account.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Folder Addition Method and Reset OneDrive

This solution ensures the folder is properly added as a synchronized directory and resets the OneDrive client to clear out any synchronization glitches causing the web link behavior.

Often, shared folders appear as links because they were shared as a URL rather than formally added to your personal OneDrive directory. Additionally, the OneDrive sync engine might experience an error that requires a reset.

Remove the existing web shortcut

Open File Explorer, navigate to your local OneDrive folder, right-click the URL shortcut representing the shared folder, and select 'Delete'.

Use 'Add shortcut to OneDrive'

Open your web browser and sign in to the OneDrive website. Navigate to the 'Shared' section on the left sidebar, select the problematic shared folder, and click 'Add shortcut to OneDrive' at the top menu.

Reset the OneDrive client

Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' and press Enter. The OneDrive icon in your system tray will disappear and reappear as the app resets its synchronization state.

Verify Folder Addition Method and Reset OneDrive

Temporary Workaround: While troubleshooting the desktop sync issue, you can safely continue to view, edit, and manage your files directly through the OneDrive website.

Solution 2

Check Microsoft 365 Service Health and Contact Support

Use this approach if the shortcut issue affects multiple devices, users, or accounts within an organization, indicating a potential backend Microsoft 365 outage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my shared folders show up as internet shortcuts in OneDrive?

This happens if the folder was shared strictly as a web link instead of being added to your OneDrive directory, or if the OneDrive desktop client experiences a sync failure causing it to default to URL files.

Can I still access my files if they appear as web links?

Yes. Double-clicking the shortcut will open your default web browser and direct you to the shared folder on the OneDrive website, where you can view and edit your files.

How do I permanently change the web link back to a normal folder?

You need to delete the URL shortcut from File Explorer, sign into OneDrive on the web, go to your 'Shared' files, and explicitly click 'Add shortcut to OneDrive'. If that fails, resetting the local OneDrive client usually resolves the sync error.

Document & File Issues