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How to Make Shared OneDrive Files Appear in File Explorer
Question details
The user needs to access shared OneDrive folders directly as local folders within Windows File Explorer instead of having them open as web shortcuts.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to open folders shared by a Microsoft 365 Family user directly from the desktop environment.
- Observed behavior
- Shared folders appear as internet shortcuts and launch in a web browser rather than opening as standard local folders in File Explorer.
Verify that the OneDrive desktop application is actively running in your Windows system tray and that you are signed in with the Microsoft account that received the shared folder invitation.
Add a Shortcut to 'My Files' via OneDrive Web
To view and sync a shared folder locally in File Explorer, you must first add it as a shortcut to your own OneDrive account through the web interface.
Microsoft OneDrive does not automatically sync shared folders to your local computer by default to save space. Adding a shortcut links the shared content to your personal OneDrive directory, allowing the desktop app to download and integrate it into File Explorer.
Open your preferred web browser, go to the OneDrive website, and log in with your Microsoft account credentials.
On the left-hand navigation pane, click on the 'Shared' option to view all files and folders that have been shared with you.
Locate the specific folder you want to sync, right-click on it (or select it and use the top menu), and click 'Add shortcut to My files'.
Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder. Wait a few moments for the app to sync; the shared folder will appear with a small link icon on the folder graphic, functioning as a local directory.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Cloud File Management
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- 1. Download and install: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your computer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'Add shortcut to My files' option missing in OneDrive?
This option will not appear if you are trying to add a shortcut to individual files rather than a folder, if the folder is already added to your OneDrive, or if the folder owner has explicitly blocked download and sync permissions.
Can I sync shared OneDrive folders on a Mac?
Yes. Once you add the shortcut to 'My files' via the OneDrive web interface, the shared folder will sync to the Finder on your Mac, provided you have the macOS OneDrive desktop client installed and running.
How do I remove a shared folder from my File Explorer?
To remove the synced folder safely without deleting the owner's files, go to OneDrive on the web, click 'My files', select the shortcut you added, and click 'Remove'. It will then disappear from your local File Explorer.
Does syncing a shared folder use my local hard drive space?
Yes, if the folder downloads fully to your PC, it consumes local storage. You can right-click the synced folder in File Explorer and select 'Free up space' to keep the files in the cloud while retaining the folder structure locally.
