OneDrive File Issues

What Do Burst Icons Mean in OneDrive Files and Folders?

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 7, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user wants to understand the meaning of burst-like icons appearing beside files and folders on the OneDrive website, particularly when they believe they are the original owner of those files.

What Do Burst Icons Mean in OneDrive Files and Folders?

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Viewing files and folders on the OneDrive website or in Windows File Explorer.
Observed behavior: Burst-like icons appear next to files and folders, indicating they are shortcuts to shared items, which causes confusion when multiple Microsoft accounts are used on the same device.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into the correct Microsoft account, as switching between personal and business accounts can cause confusion regarding file ownership and shared shortcuts.

Solution 1Recommended

Identify and Manage Shared Shortcuts (Burst Icons)

Burst icons on the OneDrive website indicate that the file or folder is a shortcut to an item shared by someone else.

A shortcut provides access to a shared item without moving it, changing its permissions, or taking up your personal OneDrive storage quota.

Locate the shortcut

Navigate to the OneDrive website and locate the file or folder displaying the burst icon in your 'My files' view.

Create new shortcuts

To add a new shortcut to a shared item, navigate to the 'Shared' tab on the left sidebar, select a file or folder, and click 'Add shortcut to My files'.

Remove unneeded shortcuts

To remove a shortcut without deleting the original shared file, right-click the item with the burst icon and select 'Remove'.

Identify and Manage Shared Shortcuts (Burst Icons)

Storage Impact: Shortcuts let you access shared items without using storage in your personal OneDrive account.

Solution 2

Resolve Account and File Ownership Conflicts

If you see burst icons on files you originally created, you may be experiencing a conflict between multiple Microsoft accounts.

Solution 3

Distinguish File Explorer Synchronization Icons

Sync icons in Windows File Explorer differ from web burst icons and indicate the local download status of your files.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see burst icons on files I originally created?

This usually happens if you are currently logged into a different Microsoft account (such as a newly added personal account) and are viewing a shortcut to files that were originally created and are still owned by your old business or alternate account.

Do shared shortcuts take up my OneDrive storage space?

No, adding a shortcut to a shared folder in your OneDrive does not consume your personal storage quota. It merely provides a quick, organized link to the original owner's files.

How do I remove a burst icon shortcut without deleting the file?

You can remove the shortcut by right-clicking it on the OneDrive website and selecting 'Remove'. This will delete the shortcut from your view but will not delete the original shared file from the owner's account.

Document & File Issues