Can't sync OneDrive With Symbolic Link

Question

I recently used OneDrive and subscribed to the family plan, and I want to sync my work folder without having to move it into the OneDrive folder.

I know how to use a symlink or symbolic link. the problem is, when the symlink is created, onedrive won't sync the files it contains, and it always flashes showing between "LOKING FOR CHANGES" and "YOUR FILE ARE SYNCED", even though no files have been uploaded at all, I waited for it for 4 hours more and the file hasn't been uploaded either.

is there any solution for this problem?

Answer 1

Hi,

I'd be happy to help you out with your question. Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

OneDrive is primarily designed to sync files and folders within its designated folder structure. It may not function correctly with symbolic links pointing to external locations. This behavior is intentional, and unfortunately, there isn't a direct solution within OneDrive for this particular scenario.

However, you can Move the folder into the OneDrive folder: OneDrive works seamlessly when syncing files and folders within its own folder structure. If possible, consider moving your work folder into the OneDrive folder directly. This ensures smooth synchronization without any complications.

Always ensure that you have adequate backups of your important files before making any significant changes to their location or syncing methods. This will help prevent potential data loss or synchronization issues.

For more Information, please refer to following resource :-

Can't synchronize OneDrive files and folders from a local file location other than the default OneDrive path - https://support.microsoft.com/office/can-t-synchronize-onedrive-files-and-folders-from-a-local-file-location-other-than-the-default-onedrive-path-b7eef9d4-4203-431d-8345-fe49254f9da0

If you have any other questions or need assistance with anything, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm here to help.

If the reply was helpful, please don’t forget to upvote or accept as answer, thank you.

Answer 2

wish ms would tell you symbolic links generally don't work. the incredible number of file name restrictions, the inability to use visual studio file syncing because of the name restrictions. It's essentially worthless

Answer 3

I'm actually in the opposite situation - I literally don't want OneDrive to sync the contents of a specific folder in the My Documents folder, namely the My Games folder. While somewhat convenient, it eats up GBs of space that I don't want to use for this purpose.

Since OneDrive COMPLETELY locks down every folder in My Documents to keep them synced by default regardless of whether I want to do so, I'm forced to try a workaround to keep it from syncing. I read several articles where it stated symbolic links weren't synced to OneDrive, yet I sit here today watching the files re-upload to my OneDrive account despite having setup a symbolic link to the My Games directory. Perhaps this method is outdated and I'm out of luck. However, this would be solved if I could simply exclude sub-folders in My Documents from syncing. I'm not sure why this is hard... but it must be. I'm happy to be wrong here if someone wants to correct me.

I generally don't have a problem with OneDrive syncing and have generally found it convenient, but this is an extremely frustrating exception.