OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix SharePoint Sync Error When a OneDrive Shortcut Already Exists

Camila Milosovich Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are unable to sync a SharePoint document library using OneDrive because the system detects an existing shortcut to the same folder.

How to Fix SharePoint Sync Error When a OneDrive Shortcut Already Exists

Product: Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sync a SharePoint document library to a local device using the OneDrive sync client.
Observed behavior: OneDrive displays an error stating a shortcut is already being synced and halts the synchronization process for the SharePoint folder, even if the shortcut appears to have been deleted.

Before you start

Verify whether you currently use the 'Sync' button or the 'Add shortcut to My files' feature, as Microsoft by design does not allow both methods to be active for the same SharePoint document library simultaneously.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove the Existing Shortcut to Enable SharePoint Sync

Since you cannot use both sync methods simultaneously, deleting the existing shortcut from your OneDrive will resolve the conflict and allow standard synchronization.

This is the most common solution. Microsoft restricts a document library from being synchronized via the OneDrive sync app if it has already been added as a shortcut. Removing the shortcut clears the path for the sync client.

Locate the shortcut

Open your local OneDrive folder via File Explorer, or log into OneDrive online using your web browser. Find the folder shortcut that corresponds to the SharePoint document library (it usually has a small link icon on the folder).

Delete the shortcut

Right-click the shortcut and select 'Remove' or 'Delete' to remove the shortcut from your My files list.

Restart synchronization

Return to the SharePoint document library in your web browser and click the 'Sync' button on the top menu bar to start synchronizing the folder directly.

Remove the Existing Shortcut to Enable SharePoint Sync

Clear the Recycle Bin: If the error persists after deleting the shortcut locally, log into OneDrive online and empty your Recycle Bin. Lingering deleted shortcuts can sometimes still cause sync conflicts.

Solution 2

Use the 'Add shortcut to My files' Feature Exclusively

If you prefer having all your files accessible directly within your primary OneDrive folder, use the shortcut feature instead of the dedicated SharePoint sync.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive say a shortcut is already syncing?

Microsoft designed OneDrive to prevent a single SharePoint document library from being synced twice. If you or someone else previously clicked 'Add shortcut to My files' for that library, OneDrive automatically blocks the separate 'Sync' command to prevent duplicate files.

I deleted the shortcut, but the sync error remains. How do I fix it?

Sometimes a deleted shortcut remains cached in the OneDrive cloud system as a 'ghost' file. To fix this, log into OneDrive on the web, navigate to the Recycle Bin, permanently delete the shortcut from there, and restart your local OneDrive desktop client.

What is the difference between 'Sync' and 'Add shortcut to My files'?

'Sync' creates a completely separate organizational folder (usually named after your company) on your computer's File Explorer sidebar. 'Add shortcut to My files' places a folder link directly inside your personal OneDrive folder structure alongside your other private files.

Can I use both sync methods for different SharePoint folders?

Yes. The restriction only applies to the exact same document library. You can safely use the 'Sync' button for Library A while using 'Add shortcut to My files' for Library B without triggering any conflict errors.

Document & File Issues