File Sharing Problems

How to Move a Shared OneDrive Folder Without Breaking Sharing

Khadija Khan Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to organize their OneDrive by moving a shared folder shortcut from the root directory to another location without losing synchronization or breaking the original sharing relationship.

Can You Move a Shared OneDrive Folder Without Breaking Sharing?

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Organizing shared files and folders within the 'My files' directory in OneDrive.
Observed behavior: Moving the shared folder shortcut directly or via the desktop client breaks the link to the original shared folder and stops synchronization.

Before you start

Before attempting to reorganize your files, ensure that any pending sync operations are fully complete to avoid accidental data conflicts.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Web Interface to Add a Shortcut

Since moving the actual shared folder breaks the link, the safest approach is to manage shortcuts via the OneDrive web interface rather than your desktop client.

OneDrive does not currently support moving a shared folder directly to a custom location while preserving its original sharing relationship. The limitation is inherent to how OneDrive's sync engine handles shared paths.

To maintain synchronization, you should add a shortcut to your 'My files' section from the web, and avoid moving it into nested folders.

Open OneDrive Web

Navigate to Shared Files

Click on the 'Shared' tab located on the left sidebar to view folders shared with you.

Select the Folder

Locate and select the shared folder you want to organize.

Add Shortcut

Click 'Add shortcut to My files' in the top menu. Leave this shortcut in the root directory to prevent sync issues.

Important Sync Warning: Do not move this shortcut using the desktop sync client (Windows File Explorer or Mac Finder), as this frequently breaks the link to the original shared folder.

Solution 2

Create a Separate Disconnected Copy

Use this method if you need to place the files in a specific internal directory and no longer need real-time synchronization with the original owner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does moving a shared OneDrive folder break the link?

OneDrive associates the sharing permissions and sync relationship with the specific path generated at the root of 'My files'. Moving it changes this path, causing the sync engine to lose track of the original shared source.

Can I move a shared folder shortcut using Windows File Explorer?

No, moving the shortcut through the OneDrive desktop client (like File Explorer or Mac Finder) is highly likely to break the synchronization link. It is strictly recommended to manage shared shortcuts through the OneDrive web interface.

Is there any way to nest a shared folder inside another folder in OneDrive?

Currently, OneDrive requires shared folder shortcuts to remain in the root directory of 'My files'. You cannot nest them inside other personal folders without breaking the sync connection to the owner.

Document & File Issues