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How to Move a Shared OneDrive Folder Back to the Root Folder
Question details
The user needs to restore a shared OneDrive folder to its original root location after it was moved, and resolve an issue where some Word and Excel files are inaccessible.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A shared OneDrive folder was accidentally moved to 'Shared by You' and cannot be returned to the root folder. As a result, certain files are not opening correctly online.
- Observed behavior
- The moved folder cannot be returned to the root. Word and Excel files cannot be opened online (displaying a message that they may no longer exist), though they can be downloaded. PDFs open normally, and the original folder owner can still view all contents.
Verify the original owner of the shared folder, as the owner typically retains full access to the folder and its contents, and may be able to easily reshare or restore it.
Check OneDrive and Computer Recycle Bins
Ask the person who moved the folder to thoroughly check their recycle bins and local storage, as moving a shared folder can sometimes delete the original web link.
When a shared folder is moved incorrectly, the files may be removed from the shared directory and placed into the mover's local or cloud recycle bins.
Have the user who moved the folder log into OneDrive on the web, click 'Recycle bin' in the left navigation pane, and look for the missing folder or files.
If the folder is not in the primary recycle bin, scroll to the bottom of the Recycle bin page and click 'Second-stage recycle bin' (in OneDrive for Business) to search there.
Ask the user to check their computer's local Recycle Bin and use the local search function or Microsoft 365 search to locate the folder.
Contact the Microsoft 365 Administrator
If the folder cannot be located by the users, escalate the issue to your Microsoft 365 administrator to locate and restore the folder.
Use WPS Office to Open Your Downloaded Files
If your Word and Excel files won't open in OneDrive but can be downloaded, you can use WPS Office as a lightweight, free alternative to open, edit, and manage them locally.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite for your device.
- 2. Open Downloaded Files: Locate the Word or Excel files you downloaded from OneDrive and open them directly using WPS Writer or WPS Spreadsheet.
- 3. Save and Edit Locally: Edit your recovered documents securely on your local drive without relying on cloud synchronization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I download the Excel files but not open them online in OneDrive?
When a shared folder is moved improperly, the specific web pathways and permissions for Microsoft Office Online can break. The actual file data remains intact, allowing you to download it, but the online viewer fails to locate the correct reference.
Can the original owner still see the moved folder?
Yes, typically the original owner of the folder retains full access and can still view the folder and its contents, even if a collaborator accidentally moved it causing it to disappear from the root folder for others.
Where is the second-stage recycle bin in OneDrive?
The second-stage recycle bin (available in OneDrive for Business) can be accessed by navigating to the standard Recycle bin on the web interface, scrolling to the very bottom of the file list, and clicking the 'Second-stage recycle bin' link.
