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How to Fix OneDrive Shared Folders Not Syncing to Computer
Question details
The user is unable to locally synchronize a shared OneDrive folder to their computer because the normal 'Sync' option is missing, replaced only by an 'Add shortcut to OneDrive' option.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to synchronize a shared folder to a local computer to access files offline or manage them via the local file explorer.
- Observed behavior
- The shared folder is fully visible online and has the correct edit permissions, but fails to offer a direct 'Sync' option, preventing local synchronization to family members' computers.
Verify that your OneDrive sync client is updated to the latest version and that you are signed in with the correct Microsoft account that was granted edit permissions for the shared folder.
Access Shared Folders Directly via OneDrive Online
Since the missing sync button is a known Microsoft issue currently under investigation, accessing your files via the web version is the most reliable workaround.
Currently, there is a known hot issue within OneDrive where shared folders only display as shortcuts rather than independently synchronized folders. The Microsoft development team is fully aware of this bug and is actively working on a permanent fix.
Until the sync engine is patched, the official recommendation is to bypass the local desktop client for shared folders and use the web interface.
Open your web browser, go to OneDrive.com, and sign in using your Microsoft account credentials.
On the left-hand navigation menu, click on the 'Shared' tab to view all files and folders that have been shared with you.
Click on the specific shared folder to open it. You can now view, download, or edit the files directly within the browser.
Ask the Owner to Share via a SharePoint Library
If having local file explorer access is strictly required for your workflow, sharing the folder via SharePoint is a supported alternative that still allows for local synchronization.
Enjoy Seamless File Syncing and Sharing with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with OneDrive shortcut bugs and synchronization failures? WPS Office provides an integrated, highly reliable cloud storage solution (WPS Cloud) designed for effortless document management, real-time collaboration, and secure sharing without the frustrating sync limitations.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free application and install it on your computer.
- 2. Activate WPS Cloud: Sign in with your email or social account to instantly access your free WPS Cloud storage space and enable auto-sync.
- 3. Share Documents Easily: Right-click any synchronized file or folder in your WPS workspace and select 'Share' to generate a secure link with custom view or edit permissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'Sync' button missing from my shared OneDrive folder?
This is currently a known bug in Microsoft OneDrive where shared folders only offer an 'Add shortcut' option instead of a dedicated Sync button. Microsoft's development team is aware of the issue and is actively working on a resolution.
Does 'Add shortcut to OneDrive' sync the files to my computer?
Adding a shortcut makes the shared folder appear in your 'My files' view online. Depending on your OneDrive client settings, the shortcut may sync to your local device, but it often behaves differently than natively synced folders and is prone to synchronization errors.
How can I remove a shared folder shortcut without deleting the original files?
To safely remove a shortcut, go to OneDrive.com, navigate to 'My files', right-click the shortcut folder you previously added, and select 'Remove'. This deletes the shortcut from your personal view without affecting or deleting the owner's original shared files.
