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Microsoft 365 OneDrive: Add a SharePoint Document Library to OneDrive

Use the Add shortcut to OneDrive feature to access a SharePoint document library or folder directly from OneDrive on the web, Windows File Explorer, or macOS Finder. This creates a shortcut to the content stored in SharePoint and does not create a separate copy of the files.

 Before You Begin

Check Access First

Open the SharePoint site in a web browser and confirm you can access the required library or folder.

Important: Adding a shortcut does not grant new permissions. You must already have access to the SharePoint content.

Ensure the following requirements are met:

  • You are signed in with your work or school Microsoft 365 account.
  • You can open the SharePoint site and document library or folder.
  • The OneDrive sync app is installed, running, and signed in with the same account if you want to access the shortcut from File Explorer or Finder.

What This Feature Does

A OneDrive shortcut provides convenient access to a SharePoint library or folder through:

  • OneDrive on the web
  • Windows File Explorer
  • macOS Finder

The content remains stored in SharePoint and continues to use your organization's existing permissions.

Best For

  • Frequently used team libraries
  • Department folders
  • Shared project documents
  • Content you want available across multiple devices

Important

Changes made through the shortcut affect the original SharePoint content. The shortcut is not a separate copy.

Add a SharePoint Library or Folder Shortcut

Step 1: Open the SharePoint Site

  1. Sign in to Microsoft 365.
  2. Open SharePoint.
  3. Navigate to the site that contains the library or folder you need.

Expected Result: You can see the site navigation and document libraries.

Step 2: Open the Document Library

  1. Open the required document library, such as Documents, Shared Documents, or a department-specific library.
  2. If you only need a specific folder, open that folder instead.

Expected Result: The command bar appears above the library contents.

Step 3: Add the Shortcut

  1. On the command bar, select Add shortcut to OneDrive.
  2. In some views, the option may appear as Add shortcut to My files.

Expected Result: A confirmation message appears after the shortcut is created.

Step 4: Verify the Shortcut

  1. Select My files from the confirmation message, or open OneDrive on the web.
  2. Open the newly created shortcut.

Expected Result: The shortcut appears as a folder within My files. Tip: You can add an entire SharePoint library or a specific folder. Choose the narrowest useful location to keep OneDrive organized and easy to navigate.

Find the Shortcut on Your Computer

Windows (File Explorer)

  1. Confirm the OneDrive cloud icon is visible in the Windows notification area.
  2. Open File Explorer.
  3. Select OneDrive - [Your Organization] from the left navigation pane.
  4. Open the SharePoint shortcut folder.

Note: Changes made through the shortcut sync with the original SharePoint location.

macOS (Finder)

  1. Confirm the OneDrive cloud icon is visible in the menu bar.
  2. Open Finder.
  3. Select your organization's OneDrive location.
  4. Open the SharePoint shortcut folder.

Files On-Demand

OneDrive may display different status icons for files and folders:

  • Blue cloud icon: The file is online-only.
  • Opening the file downloads it when needed.
  • To keep files available when offline, select Always keep on this device.

Important Notes

Edit or Create Files

Work normally within the shortcut. Changes are saved directly to SharePoint and are visible to others with access.

Rename the Shortcut

You can rename the shortcut for your own organization and navigation purposes.

Note: Renaming the shortcut only affects your personal OneDrive view.

Do Not Treat It as a Copy

Moving, renaming, or deleting files inside the shortcut affects the original SharePoint content, subject to your permissions.

Avoid Duplicate Connections

Do not use both Sync and Add shortcut to OneDrive for the same library or overlapping folders. This can cause synchronization conflicts and error messages.

Remove a Shortcut Safely

Important

Use Remove shortcut rather than deleting content inside the shortcut. Removing the shortcut disconnects it from your OneDrive without affecting the original SharePoint files and folders.

Step 1: Open OneDrive

  1. Sign in to OneDrive on the web.
  2. Open My files.

Step 2: Select the Shortcut

  1. Locate the SharePoint library or folder shortcut.
  2. Select the shortcut.

Step 3: Remove the Shortcut

  1. Select Remove shortcut from My files.

Expected Result: The shortcut is removed from your OneDrive while the original SharePoint content remains available to authorized users.

Troubleshooting

"Add shortcut to OneDrive" Button Is Missing

  • Open the library or select a single folder.
  • The option is unavailable for an individual file, multiple folders, or content already added as a shortcut.

Access Denied

  • Verify that you have permission to access the SharePoint site and library.
  • Contact the site owner or IT support if access is required.

Shortcut Does Not Appear in File Explorer or Finder

  • Confirm the OneDrive sync app is running.
  • Verify you are signed in with the same Microsoft 365 account.
  • Check whether the shortcut appears in My files on the web.

Already Syncing Error

  • A Sync connection or existing shortcut may already be connected to the same location.
  • Remove the duplicate connection or contact IT support for assistance.

Files Will Not Open Offline

  • Connect to the internet to access the file.
  • Before going offline, select Always keep on this device for files or folders you need.