OneDrive File Issues

How to Identify OneDrive Shortcuts and Synced Folders on Mac

Elise Williams Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to visually distinguish between shared OneDrive folders added as shortcuts and those synchronized directly from SharePoint on macOS.

How to Identify OneDrive Shortcuts vs. Synced Folders on Mac

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Organizing or troubleshooting shared cloud folders within Mac Finder.
Observed behavior: Users need to identify folder types to correctly manage files, as shortcuts and synced folders have different icons and default paths.

Before you start

Ensure your OneDrive desktop app is running and actively syncing on your Mac so that Finder extensions can accurately display the latest folder icons.

Solution 1Recommended

Differentiate Using Folder Locations and Finder Icons

You can easily identify whether a folder is a shortcut or a direct sync by checking its location in Finder and the icon displayed on the folder.

Microsoft handles shared folders in two ways on a Mac: as a shortcut added to your personal OneDrive, or as a direct sync from a SharePoint library. They are placed in different default directories and use different visual indicators.

Identify OneDrive Shortcuts

Open Finder and navigate to your 'OneDrive - [CompanyName]' folder. Look for folders that have a small link (alias) icon overlaid on them. These are shared folders that were added as shortcuts to your own OneDrive.

Identify SharePoint Synced Folders

Look in your Mac's home directory or sidebar for a separate folder named simply '[CompanyName]' (without 'OneDrive -' in front of it). Inside this directory, synchronized SharePoint folders will appear with a network-style or building icon rather than a standard folder link.

Differentiate Using Folder Locations and Finder Icons

Missing Icons?: If you do not see any specific sync or link icons, check your Mac's System Settings under Privacy & Security > Extensions to ensure 'Finder extensions' for OneDrive are enabled.

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Seamlessly Edit Your Cloud Documents with WPS Office

If you frequently work with shared files in OneDrive or SharePoint, WPS Office offers a fast, lightweight, and highly compatible suite to edit all your documents on Mac without the heavy subscription costs.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the installation package designed for macOS.
2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
3. Open Your Cloud Files: Launch WPS Office and navigate to your synced OneDrive or SharePoint folders in Finder to directly open and edit your documents.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Lightweight app design that runs smoothly on all Mac devices.Built-in PDF editing and cloud support for streamlined collaboration.Free and easy to use, providing a familiar tabbed user interface.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert a OneDrive shortcut into a directly synced folder on Mac?

Yes. First, you must right-click the shortcut in your OneDrive folder and select 'Remove' to delete the shortcut. Then, go to the shared SharePoint library in your web browser and click the 'Sync' button to create a direct synchronized folder.

Why are my OneDrive sync icons not showing up in Mac Finder?

This usually happens when Finder Extensions for OneDrive are disabled or need a restart. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security > Extensions, and ensure that the OneDrive Finder Integration is toggled on. Relaunching Finder can also help.

Will deleting a OneDrive shortcut delete the actual files for everyone?

No, deleting a shortcut only removes the link from your personal OneDrive view. The original files remain intact and accessible in the shared SharePoint folder for all other authorized users.

Document & File Issues