Copy Shared Folder to My Drive SharePoint: Simple Guide for Quick Access

Written By Mohit Kumar Jha

Approved By Anuraag Singh

Modified On August 27th, 2025

Reading Time 5 Min Read

Many times in SharePoint, I get access to a shared folder but have to reopen the link or check “Shared with Me” whenever I need it. This becomes inconvenient if I use the folder often. To fix it, I researched and found how to copy shared folder to my drive SharePoint, so it stays with my files and is easy to find anytime.

Today, I’ll guide you on how I did it in seconds via three practical methods, step by step.

Why I Copy or Add Shared Folders to My Drive?

The need to copy the shared folder occurs due to:

Quick access without searching “Shared with Me” every time
Keeps shared content organised with my own files
Sync SharePoint to OneDrive helps to work offline
Easier to manage permissions and sharing
Reduces confusion between multiple shared links

Because of these reasons, I had to initiate this procedure. Next, I’ll share how to do it.

How to Copy Shared Folder to My Drive SharePoint?

Copying a shared folder is a simple task; even a non-technical user can perform this. I’ll make it more straightforward for you by providing the step-by-step instructions:

#Method 1. Add Shortcut to My Drive

If you want to keep the shared folder live and updated, then add it as a shortcut:

Open OneDrive in the browser > click Shared > Shared with you.
Select the shared folder, click the circle or right-click.
Click Add shortcut to My files.
Go to My Files, and the folder shortcut now appears.
If you use the OneDrive desktop client, it shows up automatically on your PC or Mac.

#Method 2. Copy Shared Folder to My Drive SharePoint

When I need my own copy of the files, not just a shortcut, I use this option by following these instructions:

Open the shared folder in SharePoint or OneDrive.
Select the files or subfolders you want.
Click Copy to from the top menu.
Choose OneDrive, My Files as the destination.
Hit Copy here.

Now you have a real copy of the folder inside your OneDrive. Now, you don’t need to backup SharePoint Online to local storage, as you can use OneDrive desktop for the same.

Shortcut vs Copy: What’s the Difference?

If you’re confused about which method is better shortcut (Method 1) or the copy (Method 2), then go through these points to clear:

Add Shortcut: Creates a link to the shared folder. Updates stay live. Great for teamwork.
Copy To: Makes a separate copy. Updates in the original won’t reflect. Best for archives or personal work.

These are both manual solutions, but if you want to know about an automated method, then let’s move to the next section.

#Method 3. Copy Shared Folder to My Drive SharePoint Via Power Automate

Sometimes I want an actual copy that stays updated automatically. For that, I use Power Automate:

Trigger: When a file is created or modified in the shared folder.
Action 1: Get file content.
Action 2: Create a file, pick your OneDrive as the destination.
Add logic for subfolders and avoid duplicates.

This way, any new or updated file in the shared folder gets copied into your OneDrive automatically

When Not to Copy Shared Folder to My Drive SharePoint?

Don’t copy if you found these:

When the folder is too large and exceeds your OneDrive or SharePoint site storage limit.
If the shared folder is updated often, and you want to see live changes, copying creates a static version.
When you only need temporary access, no need to clutter your drive
If permissions might change soon, the copy won’t reflect future access changes
To avoid creating duplicates that could confuse team members

After reading these points, if you want to undo the copied procedure, then read the next section for how to.

How to Remove a Shared Folder from My Drive in SharePoint?

For any reason, if you want to remove the shared folder:

Go to OneDrive > My Files.
Find the shared folder you added.
Right-click the folder.
Select Remove shortcut from My files.
The folder will no longer appear in your drive, but it will still be accessible under Shared with me.

If you copied the folder, not just added a shortcut, you’ll need to manually delete the copied folder from your drive.

Admin & Security Notes

Your IT team can block shortcuts across the tenant. If you don’t see the option, ask your admin.
Guest users usually can’t add shortcuts; it’s mostly for internal accounts.
Copying large folders doubles storage use. Shortcuts don’t.

Author’s Verdict

Adding a Shortcut to my files keeps everything updated and synced with the owner. But if I want my own independent copy, I opt for the Copy To or sometimes Power Automate option.

All three options, I use regularly to copy shared folder to my drive SharePoint in different scenarios or tenants. So, you can opt for any one without any ifs or buts.