OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop OneDrive from Converting PowerPoint Hyperlinks to SharePoint URLs

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent OneDrive from automatically changing local video hyperlinks in a PowerPoint presentation into cloud-based SharePoint URLs.

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint, OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Clicking a hyperlink in a PowerPoint presentation to open a video file stored in the same local OneDrive folder.
Observed behavior: The hyperlinks are automatically converted to my.sharepoint.com paths, causing the videos to open in a web browser or prompt a download instead of launching the local media player.

Before you start

Ensure that your PowerPoint presentation and the linked video files are downloaded to your local OneDrive sync folder and stored in the exact same directory before you begin editing.

Solution 1Recommended

Insert the Video as a Local Object

Bypass the automatic hyperlink conversion by embedding or linking the video directly as an object from your local OneDrive sync directory.

When you copy an online link or link to a file synced via OneDrive, Office assumes you want to share the cloud version. Inserting the file as a local object forces the presentation to reference the local file path instead of the SharePoint URL.

Open the local file

Navigate to your local OneDrive sync folder using Windows File Explorer and open the PowerPoint presentation directly from that local directory.

Insert object

Go to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, select 'Object', and then choose 'Create from file' (or 'Insert File' depending on your version).

Select your video

Browse to the local video file stored in the identical folder as your presentation and click 'OK' to insert it.

File Size Consideration: Embedding a video as an object can substantially increase the overall file size of your PowerPoint presentation.

Solution 2

Migrate Files to an Alternative Cloud Storage

If OneDrive's forced URL conversion disrupts your workflow, consider using a different cloud service that does not alter local relative paths.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Presentation for Better Local File Management

If Microsoft OneDrive and PowerPoint are forcing unwanted URL conversions on your files, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative that respects your local file paths and media links without unwarranted cloud modifications.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Open Presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and open your existing .pptx file from your local folder.
3. Insert Hyperlinks: Select 'Insert' > 'Hyperlink' and link your local video files. WPS respects your local file paths perfectly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.Maintains local hyperlink integrity without forced cloud URL conversions.Lightweight and free to use with a familiar, user-friendly interface.Seamlessly insert and manage local media files without inflating document sizes unnecessarily.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive convert my PowerPoint hyperlinks to SharePoint links?

When files are synced via Microsoft OneDrive, the service often converts local paths into cloud-based my.sharepoint.com URLs. This is an intentional feature designed by Microsoft to facilitate online collaboration and document sharing across devices.

Can I disable hyperlink conversion in OneDrive settings?

There is currently no direct toggle in OneDrive or PowerPoint settings to completely disable this specific behavior for Office files. The most reliable workaround is embedding the video as an object or keeping the files outside the OneDrive sync folder.

Will my PowerPoint video links work if I share the file?

If the hyperlinks have been converted to SharePoint URLs, the recipient will need the appropriate cloud permissions to view the video. Furthermore, clicking the link will likely open the video in a web browser rather than their local media player.

Document & File Issues