OneDrive File Issues

Why OneDrive Adds the SharePoint Site Name to a Shortcut & How to Rename It

Natalie Taylor Oct 15, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users notice that when adding a SharePoint document library to local OneDrive sync, the folder shortcut name automatically includes the SharePoint site name instead of remaining generic.

Why OneDrive Adds the SharePoint Site Name to a Shortcut

Product: Microsoft OneDrive / SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Syncing a SharePoint document library to local OneDrive storage via File Explorer.
Observed behavior: The local shortcut name changes from a generic library name (like 'Documents') to a combined name that includes the SharePoint site name.

Before you start

Ensure your OneDrive client is fully updated and currently syncing without errors before renaming any local shortcut folders to prevent temporary synchronization conflicts.

Solution 1Recommended

Understand the Naming Convention and Safely Rename the Shortcut

Learn the purpose behind the automated naming behavior and how to safely rename the shortcut locally for a cleaner File Explorer view without breaking the sync.

When you add a SharePoint document library to your OneDrive, Microsoft automatically appends the SharePoint site name to the local shortcut. This is by design, serving to distinguish multiple libraries that might otherwise have identical generic names like 'Documents' from different sites.

Fortunately, renaming this shortcut in your local File Explorer is completely safe. It only changes the display name on your current device. It will not alter the actual SharePoint library name on the server, nor will it affect other users syncing the same files.

Open File Explorer

Press the Windows Key + E on your keyboard to open File Explorer and navigate to your main OneDrive folder where the SharePoint shortcuts are located.

Locate the Synced Shortcut

Find the synchronized SharePoint document library shortcut, which currently includes the site name in its title.

Rename the Folder

Right-click the shortcut and select 'Rename' (or click it once and press F2). Type your preferred clean name and press Enter to save.

Understand the Naming Convention and Safely Rename the Shortcut

Maintain Naming Consistency: While local renaming is safe and will not break the server connection, using clear and consistent naming conventions is highly recommended to avoid confusion if you manage several SharePoint libraries across different projects.

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1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
2. Open Synced Files: Navigate to your renamed OneDrive or SharePoint shortcut folder and double-click any document to open it in WPS Office.
3. Edit and Auto-Sync: Edit your file normally. When you click save, OneDrive will automatically sync the updated file back to your SharePoint site.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will renaming the OneDrive shortcut break the sync with SharePoint?

No. Renaming the shortcut in your local File Explorer only changes how the folder is displayed on your specific device. It does not break the sync connection or rename the actual library on the SharePoint server.

Does renaming the shortcut affect other users on the SharePoint site?

No, the change is entirely local. Other team members who have synced the same SharePoint library will still see the default generated name or whatever custom local name they have set on their respective devices.

Can I stop OneDrive from adding the SharePoint site name automatically?

Currently, there is no built-in setting in Microsoft 365 or OneDrive to prevent the client from appending the site name when initially creating the shortcut. You must manually rename the folder after it has been added to your local device.

What happens if two synced SharePoint libraries have the exact same custom name?

If you attempt to rename local shortcuts to have identical names in the same parent directory, Windows will prompt an error or attempt to merge the folders. It is highly recommended to use unique, identifiable names for each shortcut to prevent file management conflicts.

Document & File Issues