'%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 Restore the "Where Are My Files" Link in OneDrive
Question details
The user is unable to open the "Where are my files" link in OneDrive after utilizing the "Free Up Space" feature in File Manager. Additionally, file previews are not displaying, and downloaded files fail to open.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Accessing files via the "Where are my files" shortcut after freeing up local disk space.
- Observed behavior
- The shortcut fails to open, file previews are missing, and downloaded files cannot be opened.
Ensure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account on your OneDrive desktop application and have a stable internet connection before attempting to sync or modify folder backups.
Recreate the Shortcut by Toggling Folder Backup
This method helps recreate the broken shortcut by refreshing the backup connection for your Desktop, Pictures, and Documents folders.
The "Where are my files" link is directly associated with the OneDrive folder backup feature. When the connection breaks, toggling the backup settings off and on can force the system to recreate a working shortcut.
Open your File Explorer, navigate to your OneDrive directory, and verify whether the Desktop, Pictures, and Documents folders are still present.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in your Windows system tray (taskbar), click the gear icon, and select 'Settings'.
Navigate to the 'Sync and backup' tab in the settings window and click on the 'Manage backup' button.
Toggle the backup switches to 'On' for your Desktop, Pictures, and Documents folders, then confirm and save your changes.
Go back to the 'Manage backup' window and stop the backup for these folders. This action forces OneDrive to automatically generate a fresh "Where are my files" shortcut on your local drive.
Use WPS Office for Reliable File Management and Cloud Sync
If you frequently encounter issues with OneDrive syncing or broken file shortcuts, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, comprehensive office suite with built-in WPS Cloud, ensuring your files are securely backed up and seamlessly synced across devices without complex local folder management.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and run the installer.
- 2. Sign In for Cloud Access: Create or log into your WPS account to automatically activate your integrated WPS Cloud storage.
- 3. Save and Sync: Save your documents directly to WPS Cloud from within the application for instant access across all your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the "Where are my files" shortcut appear?
This shortcut is automatically created by OneDrive when you stop backing up a specific PC folder (like Desktop or Documents) to OneDrive. It acts as a pointer to the OneDrive cloud folder where your previously backed-up files are safely stored.
How does the "Free Up Space" feature affect my files?
Using "Free Up Space" removes the local copy of a file from your hard drive to save disk space, replacing it with a cloud-only placeholder. You must have an active internet connection to open these files again, at which point OneDrive will download them temporarily.
What should I do if downloaded OneDrive files won't open?
If files fail to open after downloading, the sync process might be stuck. Try right-clicking the affected file or folder and selecting "Always keep on this device" to force a complete download. Additionally, check that your OneDrive client is updated to the latest version.
Can I move files out of the "Where are my files" folder back to my local PC?
Yes. You can open the "Where are my files" shortcut (or navigate to the OneDrive folder manually via File Explorer), select the files you need, and cut/paste them back to your local PC folders, such as your local C: drive Desktop or Documents.
