is there way to add someone onedrive shared folder(to me) to my onedrive desktop folder

Question

I shared the Ondrive folder with outside users, and they can access it using the link/web, but

Is there a way for them to put these shared folder in their OneDrive desktop app so they can edit without going to the web or downloading the file?

Answer 1

Hi @Won Roh,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.To address your question, as long as external users are signed in and the folder has been shared with them with edit permission, they can add the shared folder to their own OneDrive. This allows it to appear in File Explorer via the OneDrive desktop app, so they don’t need to open the web link each time.

With that in mind, there are a couple of options you may want to consider:

Option 1: Use “Add shortcut to My files” (so it appears in the OneDrive desktop folder)

• First, ask the external user to sign in to OneDrive on the web using the same account that was granted access to the shared folder.
• From there, they should go to the Shared section and locate the folder. Please note that the folder must show Can edit for the shortcut option to be available.
• Once they select the folder, they can choose Add shortcut to My files (or right‑click the folder and select the same option).
• After this step, the folder will appear under My files. If the OneDrive sync app is installed and running, the folder should then automatically sync and become visible on their PC or Mac through File Explorer or Finder.

That said, there are a few important points to keep in mind:

• This option works for folders only, not individual shared files.
• The shortcut does not count against the external user’s OneDrive storage; it continues to count against the owner’s storage.
• In some cases, users may see a .url internet shortcut instead of a regular folder. Microsoft has indicated this can occur due to backend changes, but the content remains accessible through OneDrive on the web.

For reference, you can review: Add shortcuts to shared folders in OneDrive.

Option 2: Review your sharing method (especially important for external users)

If the folder is currently shared using Anyone with the link, and the external user isn’t actually signed in or verified, they may only have web-link access. For a more consistent experience and to ensure the folder appears under Shared in their OneDrive, it’s recommended to use Specific people sharing. This requires the recipient to authenticate, either by signing in or using a one‑time passcode.

You can find more details here: External or guest sharing in OneDrive, SharePoint, and Lists.

Lastly, please be aware that the behavior can vary depending on whether the external users are using Microsoft personal accounts or work/school accounts, as well as whether they have Can edit permissions.

I hope this information is helpful and clarifies your situation. If it doesn’t fully meet your expectations, please feel free to reach out again and let me know. I'd be happy to work with you to find the best possible solution.

Thank you very much for your patience and understanding, and I look forward to continuing the conversation.

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Answer 2

Yes, users can add a shared folder from another OneDrive account to their own OneDrive desktop app. To do this, they must first ensure they have explicit permission to access the shared folder. Once they have access, they can add the shared folder to their OneDrive by following these steps:

1. Access the Shared Folder: The user should open OneDrive in their web browser and navigate to the shared folder.
2. Add to My OneDrive: They can then select the shared folder and use the option to "Add to My OneDrive". This action will make the shared folder appear in their OneDrive.
3. Sync with OneDrive Desktop App: After adding the folder to their OneDrive, they can sync it with their OneDrive desktop app. The contents of the shared folder will then be available for editing directly from their desktop without needing to go to the web or download files.

This functionality allows for seamless collaboration and editing of shared content directly from the desktop app.