OneDrive shared folders are turning into web links & cannot sync with Windows Explorer

Microsoft has launched another round of problematic OneDrive backend updates, which are damaging shared folders for a multitude of customers. All shared folders that formerly existed in Windows Traveler are turning into web links (internet shortcuts) that open OneDrive in the internet browser, where individuals can still access the files.

While the documents are not lost, the issue damages the sync and smooth accessibility to the documents that several customers rely on. The data and folders used to sync to Windows Explorer and appear for offline gain access to as if they were documents under the very same OneDrive account. Now, you can no more collaborate as a team or seamlessly share data as a household, as the participants are being compelled to access them with the internet user interface. You need to by hand download and install and upload documents rather than depending on the OneDrive sync.

Microsoft is obviously knowledgeable about the problem. The first instances of this trouble were reported around June 2014 Nonetheless, instead of fixing it, Microsoft has possibly expanded it to impact more customers in 2025 The trouble started re-appearing for a multitude of Microsoft 365/ OneDrive individuals in the direction of completion of February and continues with March since today.

Microsoft is aware of it but isn’t fixing it!

Microsoft creates in its aid short articles that it recognizes the trouble where OneDrive shared folders are developing into Links. The specific words are,” We are aware of the concern and are working on fixing it. The.url web faster ways will instantly convert back to a folder when the problem is resolved.

Provided how long this issue has been taking place, it seems Microsoft has little rate of interest in repairing it. It could additionally hold true that Microsoft wishes to relocate these cooperation features to another (even more premium) plan of Microsoft 365

However, the Microsoft support group still claims that it’ll be repaired. They responded to a customer with a similar explanation and service as in the aid post over:

We completely understand that this issue may be influencing your work. As a workaround in the meantime, you can access the shared folder via OneDrive internet to continue your workflow. The.url net shortcuts will instantly convert back to a folder when the issue is solved.
Our engineering team is functioning vigilantly to fix this issue. I ensure you that we are giving it our utmost top priority. Presently we do not have an ETA on this problem. Your patience and cooperation are extremely valued during this moment. Please understand that we are committed to solving this concern as rapidly as possible.

Nonetheless, it does not affect 100 % of the individuals. Some OneDrive accounts note the common folders just great and sync normally via Windows Traveler. So, re-installing OneDrive or curtailing updates will not assist in fixing the trouble. It appears to be a cloud-side trigger, and unless Microsoft clarifies why it happened, we don’t know specifically what went wrong.

What do you do if you’re likewise impacted by this OneDrive bug?

As I pointed out above, it does not seem to be a client-side bug. So, there are no workarounds or options currently. I recommend that you call Microsoft assistance and compose on the Microsoft online forums. A greater inflow of records with official networks will probably aid attain a quicker resolution.

If you’re not way too much right into the Microsoft system, then you can also think about utilizing a few of the contending cloud services. Microsoft has actually not given any ETAs on how long their design group would certainly require to supply a fix.