Add and sync shared folders to OneDrive

Add a Shared Folder to Your OneDrive

1. Sign in to OneDrive.com with your personal Microsoft account.
2. In the left navigation pane, click Shared.
3. Locate the folder marked Can edit.
4. Select the folder (click the circle in the tile), then choose Add shortcut to My files.
   • Alternatively, right-click the folder and select Add shortcut to My files.

⚠️ Limitations:

• You cannot add:
  • Individual files (only folders).
  • Multiple folders at once.
  • Folders if you're signed in with a work or school account.
• You can add up to 1,000 shortcuts across files and folders, and up to 100 from a single source

Sync Shared Folders to Your Computer

To sync shared folders added to your OneDrive:

1. Install and open the OneDrive sync app on your Windows or Mac device.
2. Locate the shared folder in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
3. If the folder doesn’t sync:
   • Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray/menu bar.
   • Go to Settings → Account → Choose folders.
   • Ensure the shared folder is selected for sync.

Important Notes

• Storage Impact: Shared folders do not use your OneDrive storage; they count against the owner’s quota.
• Offline Access: Once synced, you can work offline. Changes sync when you're back online.
• Permissions:
  • Moving items between folders changes their permissions to match the destination folder.
  • Renaming a shared folder affects only your view.
• Recycle Bin Behavior:
  • Deleted items go to the owner’s recycle bin, not yours.
  • If synced locally, deleted items appear in your computer’s recycle bin.

Removing a Shared Folder

• On OneDrive.com: Select the folder → Remove shortcut from My files.
• On your computer: Right-click the folder in File Explorer/Finder → Remove shortcut.

⚠️ Do not delete the folder directly unless you intend to remove it for everyone.