Restore OneDrive File Links After Renaming a Shared Folder
Question details
The user needs to recover shared file links after renaming a OneDrive folder without knowing its original name.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A shared folder was renamed, and the user wants existing links to files inside it to work again.
- Observed behavior
- The previously shared file links no longer work, and the original folder name is unknown.
Sign in to OneDrive on the web with the account that owns the folder. Check whether your subscription supports OneDrive Restore and identify approximately when the folder was renamed.
Use OneDrive Restore to Return to a Point Before the Rename
Use this option to review recent changes and restore the folder structure when the original name is unknown.
OneDrive Restore is available with eligible subscriptions and can restore changes from the past 30 days. It affects the OneDrive account, not just the renamed folder, so review other changes made after the selected point.
Restoring the earlier folder structure may recover the links, but link behavior can depend on how the links were created and shared.
Go to OneDrive on the web, sign in, and select Settings. For a personal account, select Options, then Restore your OneDrive. For a work or school account, look for Restore your OneDrive directly under Settings.
On the restore page, select a date or use the activity chart and list to find changes around the time the folder was renamed.
Select a point before the rename and review the changes that will be undone, including unrelated changes to other files and folders.
Select Restore and confirm the action. Once it finishes, open the shared folder and test the original file links.
Create New OneDrive Links If the Original Links Still Fail
Use new sharing links when a restore is unavailable or the original links remain inaccessible.
Work With Shared Office Files in WPS Office
WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative for opening and editing Office files with a familiar interface. Its format compatibility makes moving existing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations straightforward. WPS does not restore OneDrive links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I restore only the renamed folder with OneDrive Restore?
OneDrive Restore rolls back changes across the OneDrive account to a selected point, rather than restoring just one folder. Review the activity list before confirming the restore.
Can version history reveal or restore the old folder name?
OneDrive version history applies to individual files, not folder names. Use the OneDrive Restore activity list to review changes around the rename instead.
What if the folder was renamed more than 30 days ago?
OneDrive Restore is limited to the past 30 days. If the original name cannot be found or the old links still fail, use Share in OneDrive to create replacement links.
Why can't I create an Anyone link?
Public sharing may be restricted by your account or organization. Open Share and review the link settings; for a work or school account, contact your administrator if the Anyone option is unavailable.
