OneDrive File Issues

How to Synchronize Windows Server Files with OneDrive for Business

Adam Davis Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is attempting to sync files from a Windows Server, mapped network drive, or UNC path using the OneDrive for Business sync client.

How to Synchronize Windows Server Files with OneDrive for Business

Product: OneDrive for Business
Device & OS: Windows Server
Scenario: Trying to synchronize local on-premise server files or shared network drives directly to the cloud using OneDrive.
Observed behavior: OneDrive for Business does not officially support synchronizing SharePoint or OneDrive libraries with mapped network drives, UNC paths, or Windows Server volumes.

Before you start

Before attempting to migrate or sync server files, ensure you have global administrator access to your Microsoft 365 environment and have mapped out the file permission structures currently used on your Windows Server.

Solution 1Recommended

Migrate Shared Server Files to SharePoint or Microsoft Teams

Because syncing mapped network drives is unsupported, the best practice for team collaboration is to migrate shared server data directly to SharePoint or Microsoft Teams.

Instead of trying to force OneDrive to sync a UNC path or a mapped network volume, Microsoft's official recommendation is to shift shared network files to a SharePoint document library. Once migrated, users can seamlessly sync these libraries locally using the OneDrive sync client.

Create a Target SharePoint Site

Log in to your Microsoft 365 admin center, navigate to SharePoint, and create a new Document Library or Team Site for the shared files.

Migrate Files Using SPMT

Download and run the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) to securely transfer data from your Windows Server or mapped network drives to the new SharePoint library.

Sync with the OneDrive Client

Have users navigate to the newly populated SharePoint library in their web browser and click the 'Sync' button in the top menu to sync the shared folders directly to their local File Explorer.

Migrate Shared Server Files to SharePoint or Microsoft Teams

Best Practice: Using SharePoint for shared files ensures proper version control, better co-authoring support, and eliminates network drive sync conflicts.

Solution 2

Move Personal Home Folders to Individual OneDrive Accounts

For user-specific personal folders stored on a Windows Server, transition them directly to each user's individual OneDrive for Business storage.

Solution 3

Use Symbolic Links (Unsupported Workaround)

Advanced administrators can use the MKLINK command to create symbolic links, though this is officially unsupported and carries risks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sync a mapped network drive directly to OneDrive for Business?

No, OneDrive for Business does not officially support syncing SharePoint or OneDrive libraries directly with mapped network drives, UNC paths, or Windows Server volumes.

Is it safe to use MKLINK to sync my server files with OneDrive?

Using the MKLINK command to create symbolic links is an unsupported workaround. It is not recommended for production environments because it can cause synchronization conflicts and potential data loss.

What is the best way to handle shared files that are currently on a Windows Server?

The officially recommended approach is to migrate shared server files to a Microsoft SharePoint document library or a Microsoft Teams channel, and then use the OneDrive sync client to access those files locally.

How should I handle user-specific home folders located on a server?

Personal home folders should be migrated to each individual user's OneDrive for Business account or another supported file-hosting service, rather than attempting to sync the entire server infrastructure.

Document & File Issues