"Cannot see shared files on File Explorer/PC."

Question

Hello

Please i need your help on this issue.

"When files are shared with me, I can only see them in my browser, and cannot see them on my desktop.

I also have synchronization issues.

How can i Can add shared files to my PC? I have all rights to edit the link/files that are shared with me."

Answer 1

I could be wrong, but I think if you want to see the shared files on your PC, then you'll have to move or copy them to the synchronized folder in your OneDrive space.

Answer 2

Hi @John Peter ,

Welcome to Posting there.

Since the information you provided is not very clear, I will briefly explain my understanding below. You want to synchronize files in SharePoint to File Explorer, right? If my understanding is correct, then we recommend that you refer to this article to see if you can set it up successfully.

You’re running into a common issue with SharePoint Online and OneDrive sync. By default, files shared with you don’t automatically appear in your OneDrive desktop app. Here’s how you can sync shared files to your PC and fix sync issues:

1. Add Shared Files to Your OneDrive

To sync shared files to your desktop, you need to add them to your OneDrive first.

Steps to Add Shared Files to OneDrive:

1. Open your browser and go to OneDrive Online (https://onedrive.live.com/).
2. Click "Shared" in the left panel.
3. Find the shared file or folder.
4. Click "Add shortcut to My Files" (or "Add shortcut to OneDrive").
5. Wait a few minutes, then check your OneDrive folder on your desktop. It should now appear and sync automatically.

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2. Ensure OneDrive is Syncing Properly

If you still have synchronization issues, try these:

Check OneDrive Sync Settings

1. Click on the OneDrive icon in the taskbar (bottom right).
2. Click the gear icon ⚙ > Settings.
3. Under the Account tab, check if your account is signed in.
4. Under the Sync & Backup tab, make sure "Sync files" is enabled.

Manually Force Sync

1. Right-click on the OneDrive icon and select Pause syncing > 2 hours.
2. After a few minutes, click Resume syncing.

Reset OneDrive (If Issues Persist)

If OneDrive is still not syncing, try resetting it:

1. Press Windows + R, type the following, and press Enter:

%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

1. Wait a few minutes, then restart OneDrive.

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3. Try Direct Sync from SharePoint

If you are working with SharePoint libraries, you can sync them directly:

1. Open SharePoint Online in your browser.
2. Navigate to the library containing the shared files.
3. Click "Sync" (in the toolbar at the top).
4. This should start syncing with your OneDrive folder on your PC.

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Final Check

• Ensure you are using the same Microsoft account on your PC and online.
• Confirm that you have sufficient storage in OneDrive.
• If you are in a corporate environment, check if your IT admin has restricted syncing.

If there are any questions or my understanding is incorrect, please feel free to contact me.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/sync-sharepoint-files-and-folders-87a96948-4dd7-43e4-aca1-53f3e18bea9b

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