OneDrive Shared Folders no longer functioning in Windows File Explorer

Question

I access my work files via a Shared Folder in OneDrive. Previously, I was able to access and interact with the shared folder within my Windows File Explorer. About 2 weeks ago, the shared drive in my File Explorer started malfunctioning. Now when I click on the shared folder in my Windows File Explorer this takes me back to the web browser. I have had an IT professional investigate the issue and he and I believe that a recent Microsoft update has inadvertently caused this sync to stop working.

I have seen posts bu other OneDrive users experiencing the same problem in the last 2 weeks but Mircrosoft has not yet posted a solution. I have researched the issue extensively - the only advice given is to 'Add Shortcut to My File' and then click on the sync button. Problem - there is no longer a sync button at either file or folder level anywhere in the web-based OneDrive. The shortcut shows up in file explorer but this just takes you back to the web browser.

Urgently seeking a solution. This is making my work extremely inefficient and almost impossible in some instances.

Answer 1

This is a global flaw that has been reported for weeks and until now Microsoft has not officially acknowledged the problem and gone public with its retraction. It is no longer possible to synchronize shared folders on Onedrive in Windows Explorer. They show as a shortcut to the internet. In other words, clicking on the folder will not open the files directly, but will instead take you to Onedrive online in the browser. This flaw is impacting thousands of offices that mainly use the "Microsoft Family" or "Personal" license to share files between employees . Because now they can only work 100% through the browser, which completely reduces productivity. And it's not just this problem that was found, Microsoft's services and websites are crashing all the time, several bugs in the processing of files directly in Onedrive were also found, but the worst thing is that Microsoft hasn't fixed this yet.

0 commentsNo commentsReport a concern

Answer 2

I cannot believe that this problem has still not been fixed by Microsoft. Complaints have been coming in for months now, and Microsoft has obviously still not found a solution. If this problem is a bug originating from the last update, it should not take more than a few days to correct. This is not acceptable!

Answer 3

Hi Wendy Gordon,

Thank you for posting in the Q&A Forums.

Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is actively seeking a solution.

Efforts are underway to restore proper access to the affected shared folders. Initial steps include investigating the root cause of the issue and implementing fixes to ensure that the shared folder displays correctly as a folder in File Explorer.

A full analysis is being conducted to determine the exact cause of the issue. Initial findings indicate that there may have been a configuration error or a recent update that affected the shared folder handling and synchronization process.

Please wait for Microsoft engineers to fix this vulnerability and then normal work can proceed.

Best regards

NeuviJ

============================================

If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

Answer 4

Guys, just move your files over to Google Drive
All you need to do is create shortcuts to "My Drive"
Slightly different but works perfectly fine for me and everyone I am sharing too
I have uninstalled OneDrive now, I dont need to be constantly harassed to back up my desktop, documents and pictures every other day when I reboot my PC.

Answer 5

Any updates on this?