How add Shortcuts to Add a Shared Folder in Your OneDrive

Adding shortcuts to a shared folder in OneDrive puts files sent by coworkers or friends right into your main file list so you can open them instantly. This feature creates a quick link to another person’s folder on the OneDrive website without downloading ⬇️ the files to your hard drive, which saves your computer’s storage space.

Setting up this link takes just a few clicks in any web browser and works for any folder shared with your Microsoft account.

Sign in to OneDrive Online

Open a web browser, head to OneDrive.com, and sign in using the Microsoft account tied to the shared folder. Shortcuts live exclusively inside the specific account currently logged in, making correct sign-in essential.

Navigate to the ‘Shared’ Section

The ‘Shared’ section in OneDrive displays all files and folders others make available to you. After signing in, look on the left side of the screen for options like ‘My files,’ ‘Recent,’ and ‘Shared.’ Clicking ‘Shared’ reveals everything other users sent your way.

Locate the Folder You Want to Add

Incorporating a shared OneDrive folder as a shortcut inside the ‘My files’ list helps locate documents quickly later. Permissions dictate this process; edit rights are required because shortcuts cannot be generated for view-only directories. Locate the specific shared folder within the roster of items provided by other collaborators.

Add the Shortcut to ‘My Files’

Adding a shortcut to a shared folder keeps important files handy without taking up local disk space.

Alternatively, right-click directly on the folder. A context menu appears, listing "Add shortcut to My files" as an option. Select it.

Verify the Shortcut in 'My Files'

Once the process finishes, check the 'My Files' list to confirm the shared folder shortcut appears and the files remain ready to open.

Accessing Your New Shortcut

Adding a shared folder shortcut in OneDrive propagates it across every location where files load. On the OneDrive website, the shortcut materializes inside the 'My files' list alongside standard items. Deploying the OneDrive app on a computer makes the shortcut visible within Windows File Explorer.

• On OneDrive.com: You will see it in your "My files" list, just like we did.
• In Windows File Explorer: If you have the OneDrive app installed on your PC, the shortcut will appear in your OneDrive folder. It looks like any other folder, making it easy to access without opening your web browser.
• On Mac Finder: Mac users will also find the shortcut in their OneDrive folder within Finder.
• On OneDrive Mobile Apps: Your shortcuts will be available on your phone or tablet through the OneDrive app.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/onedrive/add-shortcuts-to-shared-folders-in-onedrive

Summary

Adding a shortcut to a shared OneDrive folder serves as an effective method for keeping critical files accessible across multiple devices.