Files shared between 2 computers, are they automatically synchronized?

Question

I share a folder between 2 computers. It is located on the OneDrive folder. Is an Excel spreadsheet stored on that folder automatically kept synchronized?

Thanks for your help.
PR

Answer 1

Yes. If that shared folder is inside the OneDrive folder on both computers and the OneDrive sync app is running and signed in with the same account, the Excel file is automatically synchronized.

Behavior in this setup:

1. A copy of the OneDrive contents (including that shared folder) is stored locally on each computer in its OneDrive folder.
2. When the Excel file is added, changed, or deleted on one computer, OneDrive syncs the change to the cloud.
3. The other computer’s OneDrive sync app then updates its local copy so both computers see the latest version.
4. Files can be opened and edited locally (even offline); when the computer goes online again, changes are synced automatically.

If the folder is a shared OneDrive folder that was added via “Add shortcut to My files/Files,” it can also be synced to each computer and changes will stay in sync for everyone with access.

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References:

• Sync your computer's files and folders with OneDrive
• Sync files with OneDrive in Windows
• Sync files with OneDrive on macOS
• Work with synced files in File Explorer
• Video: What is file syncing?
• See files shared with you in OneDrive

Answer 2

Hi Philip,

To also provide additional information, for the two computers, is it still yours or from other users?

Just ensure that the user where you shared it have their OneDrive on signed in using the account you used to share it with

Otherwise, if its your devices, same process should apply. Ensure OneDrive online and correct account is signed in