'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix OneDrive Shared Folders Replaced by Shortcuts
Question details
Users are experiencing a synchronization problem where OneDrive shared folders are automatically renamed, local content is removed, or folders are replaced by internet shortcuts.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Synchronizing shared folders locally using the OneDrive desktop client.
- Observed behavior
- Shared folders are converted into shortcuts, local files disappear, and the system frequently reports an overwhelming number of file changes.
Stop making any further changes to your OneDrive folders immediately to prevent data loss, and verify your files by logging into OneDrive on the web.
Verify Data Online and Restore via OneDrive Web
The safest first step is to check the web version of OneDrive to ensure your files are still intact and use version history to restore missing content.
Log in to OneDrive through your web browser and navigate to the shared folders section.
Navigate to the Recycle Bin on the left sidebar to see if any missing local files were accidentally deleted during the sync error.
If files are missing or modified, right-click the specific file and select 'Version history' to restore an older, intact version.
Map the Shared Folder as a Network Location
As a temporary workaround, you can map the shared OneDrive folder directly in Windows Explorer using WebDAV.
Fix WebDAV File Size Limit Error (0x800700DF)
If you encounter error 0x800700DF when transferring files larger than 47 MB via the network location workaround, you need to increase the WebClient file size limit.
Avoid Sync Headaches with WPS Office
If Microsoft Office and OneDrive sync issues are interrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that integrates smoothly with multiple cloud storage providers without the syncing complexities.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 3. Open and Edit Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents without worrying about sync conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my OneDrive shared folders turning into internet shortcuts?
This is a known synchronization issue within OneDrive where local copies of shared folders are replaced by shortcuts pointing to the web version, often due to sync conflicts or recent Microsoft updates.
Can I access large files using the network location workaround?
Yes, but you may encounter error 0x800700DF due to a default WebClient file-size limit of 47 MB. You can fix this by increasing the FileSizeLimitInBytes value in the Windows Registry to a higher decimal value.
Will mapping a network drive restore my offline files?
No, the network location workaround requires an active internet connection. It does not support offline saving, and you may also lose thumbnail previews and upload status indicators.
How do I recover files deleted during this OneDrive sync error?
Log into OneDrive on the web and check your Recycle Bin. If the files were modified or replaced rather than deleted, you can use the 'Version history' feature to restore the original document states.
