How add Shortcuts to Add a Shared Folder in Your OneDrive

Shortcuts to a shared folder in OneDrive let you put folders shared by coworkers or friends directly into your main file list for instant access. This feature creates a web link to another person’s folder on the OneDrive website in just a few clicks, saving hard drive space by keeping the files in the cloud instead of downloading ⬇️ them to your computer.

You can set up this link using any web browser as long as someone has already shared a folder 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

Adding the folder to your ‘My files’ list keeps documents within reach. 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

Your new add OneDrive shared folder shortcut automatically appears in both Windows File Explorer and the OneDrive website once you set it up. You can find the shortcut listed right inside your main file list, letting you open and edit shared files on your computer just like your own files without downloading them again.

• 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.