Remove SharePoint Shortcut from OneDrive in Minutes

Way back when, Microsoft introduced the Add shortcut to OneDrive option in SharePoint. Many users are happy with this option to bring the frequently used team folders closer to users. But other clusters of users feel like this shortcut brings disorder. 

There OneDrive interface. As time passes, the users who are dissatisfied with this shortcut increases and want to remove SharePoint shortcut from OneDrive and restore a cleaner, more organised file view.

Why Delete SharePoint Shortcut from OneDrive

Here are some reasons why you should consider deleting SharePoint shortcut from OneDrive:

• Sometimes shortcuts sync as folders, making it hard for the OneDrive to manage, as the interface looks disordered.
• If you are facing constant sync errors, it is due to broken paths, which occur when a linked SharePoint site is moved or renamed.
• OneDrive’s smooth functioning, causing delays and repeated error notifications, caused to these issues.
• Sometimes users don’t intend to add the shortcuts, but they get added accidentally or during temporary projects.
• Once you’re done with the project, make sure to remove the shortcut to avoid unnecessary disorder in your file structure.
• It is good to delete the shortcuts as it keeps the “ My Files” area in OneDrive clean, organised, and easier to navigate.

Related guide: SharePoint Vs OneDrive

How to Remove SharePoint Shortcut from OneDrive Easily

Sometimes, shortcuts are so unpredictable that they don’t work, especially when permissions change ot files move inside SharePoint. If the problem is the same with you, then it might be possible that you are also looking to delete SharePoint shortcut from OneDrive without affecting the original SharePoint files. 

You don’t need to worry, as moving forward, I will explain the methods that I found, i.e

# 1. Remove SharePoint Shortcut from OneDrive Via Desktop

Here are quick steps:

1. Open your OneDrive folder from File Explorer
2. Check for the Chain-Link Icon, as it is the SharePoint shortcut.
3. Right-click the shortcut and choose Remove shortcut
4. OneDrive immediately deletes the shortcut without damaging any SharePoint content.

This method is a safe one as it easily removes the shortcut without damaging SharePoint files.

#2. Delete SharePoint Shortcut from OneDrive Via the Web Interface

Here are the easiest ways to delete it via the web interface.

1. Go to OneDrive online.
2. Look for the shortcut under “My Files”
3. Click the three-dot menu beside the folder.
4. Select Remove

This is an effective method when you are on a shared or office system.

Also read: Map SharePoint Online as Network Drive

Troubleshooting: When You Can’t Remove SharePoint Shortcut from OneDrive 

While doing the above steps, it happens that the remove option does not appear, or the shortcut keeps returning after you deleted it. It usually happens when there are permission changes in the SharePoint site.

Here are some quick fixes: 

• Make sure that you have access to the SharePoint library.
• Unlink and relink OneDrive from settings.
• Clear the OneDrive sync cache.

These fixes quickly resolve the remove option does not appear.

Some Advanced Fix: Shortcut Showing Sync Errors

In some cases, shortcuts get stuck due to incomplete syncs. You can fix this by stopping OneDrive syncing and checking the settings and fix it. Once OneDrive restarts, the system automatically refreshes all linked paths, and then it is easier to delete SharePoint shortcut from OneDrive without errors.

Best Practices to Remove SharePoint Shortcut from OneDrive Effectively

Always check your SharePoint permissions before removing shortcuts to avoid repeated issues. If you stop access while the shortcut is still syncing, you might experience sync loops or errors. The only way is to delete the shortcuts when you are done with your work, or regularly.

Once you delete SharePoint shortcut from OneDrive, organise your remaining folders. Make sure to keep your personal, shared, and team files separate so you always know where you have your data files are stored. If you want to check the team folder, open it in SharePoint instead of adding shortcuts.

Additional resource: How to Move Folders in SharePoint

Author’s Verdict

Learning how to remove SharePoint shortcut from OneDrive gives you more control over your and your team members’ files. In the future, if you want to clean up your workspace or fix sync issues the it will be a big help. By following the above steps and best practices, you can keep your OneDrive manageable.

People Also Ask

Q. Is it possible to remove a SharePoint shortcut from OneDrive?
Yes, you simply need to right-click the shortcut and select Remove shortcut

Q. What will happen to my SharePoint files once I remove the shortcut?
There is nothing to worry about, as your SharePoint files will be safe even after deleting the shortcut.

Q. Why am I unable to remove a SharePoint shortcut from OneDrive?
There is are possibility that you may have lost permissions or the shortcut is stuck due to sync issues.

Q. Why is it showing errors while deleting a SharePoint shortcut?
It is because the sync has a cache. In order to fix this, simply clear the sync cache, or you can also unlink and then relink OneDrive.

Q. Is there a way to remove multiple SharePoint shortcuts at once?
Yes, you can do it by selecting multiple shortcuts and clicking remove together.