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How to Share a OneDrive Folder with a Mac User Without Reusing a Link
Question details
The user wants to share a OneDrive folder with a Mac user in a way that provides persistent, direct access to the folder from their local files, avoiding the need to click a web sharing link repeatedly.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Collaborating on shared files where a Mac user needs frequent and convenient access to a folder hosted on a sender's OneDrive.
- Observed behavior
- The recipient currently has to locate and open the original sharing link every time they want to view or edit the files, which disrupts the workflow.
Ensure both users have an active Microsoft account and that the Mac user has the OneDrive desktop application installed, running, and signed in on their device.
Add a Shared Folder Shortcut to 'My Files'
This method allows the Mac user to place a shortcut of the shared folder in their own OneDrive, which then automatically syncs to their Mac's local Finder for seamless access.
Instead of relying on the email invitation link, OneDrive allows recipients to add shared folders directly to their own directory. This bridges the gap between the web version and the local desktop environment.
Note that this solution requires the recipient to have sufficient storage space in their OneDrive account if they intend to sync large files.
Right-click the folder you want to share in your OneDrive, select 'Share', and send the invitation to the Mac user's email address.
Have the Mac recipient open a web browser, navigate to OneDrive.com, and sign in with their Microsoft account.
On the left-hand navigation pane, click on 'Shared', and then select the 'Shared with you' tab at the top.
Locate the shared folder in the list, select it by clicking the circle next to its name, and then click 'Add shortcut to My files' in the top menu bar.
Open Finder on the Mac and navigate to the local OneDrive folder. The shared folder will now appear with a small shortcut icon and will sync directly to the device.
Collaborate Seamlessly Across Mac and Windows with WPS Office
If you frequently share documents and collaborate across different operating systems, consider using WPS Office. It provides a built-in cloud drive, seamless real-time collaboration, and excellent cross-platform support without complex link management.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free software on your Mac or Windows PC.
- 2. Upload and Share via WPS Cloud: Save your documents to the built-in WPS Cloud and easily invite collaborators via a persistent workspace.
- 3. Edit Together in Real-Time: Open shared files directly from your WPS Office dashboard to co-edit with your team instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the shared OneDrive folder automatically show up in my Mac Finder?
By default, shared folders only appear in the 'Shared' section of your OneDrive online account to save local storage. You must manually use the 'Add shortcut to My files' feature on OneDrive.com to prompt them to sync to your local Mac Finder.
Can I remove the shared folder shortcut without deleting the actual files?
Yes. To remove the shortcut, go to your 'My files' view on OneDrive.com, right-click the folder shortcut, and select 'Remove'. This will delete the local sync on your Mac but will not affect the owner's original files.
Do I need the OneDrive app installed on my Mac to add the shortcut?
You do not need the desktop app to add the shortcut via the web interface. However, if you want to access the folder directly from Finder without using a browser link, the OneDrive desktop application must be installed, running, and signed in on your Mac.
