How to Add Shortcut to OneDrive Step-by-Step Guide
If you don’t know how to add a shortcut to OneDrive, start by logging in to the OneDrive web. Look for the “Shared” tab, right-click on the target folder, and click on “Add shortcut to My files.”
You should now have a direct link for immediate access. However, not everyone uses OneDrive on the web. Additionally, if you keep repeating this method for every single file, you will soon have more shortcuts than actual files.
So, instead of managing your files, these numerous links can hinder your productivity.
Don’t worry, I have helped many OneDrive users in the past and will assist you as well. All I need from you is to go through the guide in its entirety. Do what I explain in the guide, and I am sure that you will understand the right ways to make shortcuts on OneDrive, regardless of your use case or platform.
Let us first see how shortcuts differ from direct sync.
Difference Between OneDrive Shortcut and Sync
| Feature | Add Shortcut to OneDrive | Sync |
| Location | Inside your “My Files” list | Separate sidebar section (Building Icon) |
| Scope | Specific folders only | Entire Document Library |
| Availability | All devices (Cloud-based) | This device only (Local) |
| Function | Creates a Link / Pointer | Creates a Direct Mirror |
| Conflict | Fails if “Sync” is active | Fails if “Shortcut” is active |
How to Add a Shortcut to My Files OneDrive (Web)
Using OneDrive on the web is the most common way people interact with the service, so it is better to start our tutorial from here.
The steps to do this are super simple. See below:
- Step 1: Visit https://onedrive.live.com/
- Step 2: On the left-hand side, you should see a pane (if it is hidden, toggle it via the main menu button). There select the Shared tab.
- Step 3: In the Shared tab, select a Folder.
- Step 4: Click on “Add shortcut to My files”
- Step 5: Finally, go back to the My files portal and check the shortcut link.
You can use this shortcut to also download all data from OneDrive without much effort.
Steps to Add a Shortcut Link on OneDrive Desktop
- Step 1: Install and set up the OneDrive desktop app.
- Step 2: Link to your account.
- Step 3: Open the OneDrive folder via File Explorer.
- Step 4: Right-click on a folder > See more options > Create a shortcut.
Note: If you want to make a shortcut of multiple items instead of making individual links, create a folder in OneDrive, put all files in it, and make a shortcut for the folder.
Use the OneDrive Mobile App for Making File Shortcuts
- Step 1: Download and open the OneDrive app.
- Step 2: Sign in to your account.
- Step 3: Switch to the Files Tab > Select Shared.
- Step 4: Tap on a Folder > from the pop-up menu, click Add to my OneDrive.
The original owner must give OneDrive access to another user first; only then can the shortcut option work. This isn’t the only limitation. There are a bunch of other points of failure discussed below.
Troubleshooting Tactics When OneDrive Add Shortcut Fails
Even in such a simple feature, errors may occur unexpectedly. So if you find that the OneDrive add shortcut to my files is not working, don’t worry. Just follow these steps.
The usual suspect is the version history conflict or invalid permission settings. Ask the sender to fix the OneDrive file sharing issue, and the issue will end.
You may do a self-diagnosis to see if Microsoft OneDrive stopped working for you. Admins can use the OneDrive usage report to figure out more insights.
If the shortcut option still does not appear, then your account type may not have enough privileges. It is common when you get added as a guest account to an O365 organization. If it’s your desktop app that is troubling you, unlink and add the account again.
OneDrive Shortcut Links in Business Scenarios
Making shortcut links is a relatively simple process to keep quick access to large files without consuming any storage.
However, in scenarios where one business gets acquired by another, there is a rebranding or merger. The existing OneDrive shortcut links breakdown. The shortcuts can’t be made unless and until the files move to their correct locations. The fastest and most secure way to do that is via the SysTools OneDrive Migration Tool.
Get the demo today and move your OneDrive for Business data with ease.
My Verdict
Here I have told you how to add a shortcut to OneDrive on the web, desktop, and mobile. The process is quite simple, no matter the platform you choose.
However, shortcut links are not a substitute for file sharing or moving data across accounts. So in scenarios where businesses have to shift data, creating shortcuts is not of much use. Instead, use the professional solution described in the text above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make multiple shortcuts to the same file?
No, OneDrive will throw a warning alert telling you that a shortcut already exists.
Q: Does deleting the shortcut also delete the file?
No, removing the shortcut does not affect the source. However, if the scenario is reversed and you delete the parent file, it will auto-delete the shortcut
Q: Do OneDrive shortcuts have an expiry date?
Shortcuts don’t have an explicit way to set an auto-end date. Rather, if the source shared file has an expiry, then the same applies to the shortcut as well. Otherwise, the shortcut stays indefinitely in your account unless removed by you.
Q: What is the difference between syncing and adding a shortcut to OneDrive?
The main difference is that with a “Sync,” there exists a permanent connection for an entire document library. Whereas “Add Shortcut” places a link to a specific folder inside your personal OneDrive hierarchy.