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TopKick7's avatar
TopKick7
Copper Contributor
Oct 23, 2025

how do I add a Windows 11 onedrive shared folder on my Mac Finder Sidebar?

I know how to add my own Mac OneDrive shared folders to my Finder's Sidebar on my own Mac using the Mac Onedrive app.  I don't want to use a browser to view and share files.  

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1 Reply

  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Platinum Contributor
    Feb 01, 2026

    You cannot directly mount OneDrive as a network drive (SMB/WebDAV) on macOS anymore. Microsoft disabled that years ago.

    The only way to get a shared OneDrive folder into Finder is through the OneDrive for Mac app.

    To add a Windows 11 OneDrive shared folder to your Mac's Finder Sidebar without using a browser, follow these steps:

     

    Step 1: Install & Sign In to OneDrive for Mac

    Download OneDrive for macOS (not just Finder integration).

    Open the app and sign in with the Microsoft account that received the shared folder.

    Step 2: Add Shared Folder to "My Files" (One-Time Browser Action)

    Shared folders don’t sync automatically—you must explicitly add them.
    Requires a browser once (Safari/Chrome):

    Go to OneDrive Web → Shared.

    Find the folder shared from the Windows 11 user.

    Right-click the folder → "Add shortcut to My files"
    (or "Add to my files" for business accounts).

    Step 3: Sync the Folder to Your Mac

    The OneDrive app will now download the folder to:
    ~/OneDrive/[Shared Folder Name]
    (or under your company name for business accounts).

    Wait for sync to complete (check OneDrive app status).

    Step 4: Add to Finder Sidebar

    Open Finder.

    Navigate to the synced folder:
    Your Mac > OneDrive > [Shared Folder Name].

    Drag the folder to Favorites in the sidebar.
    Or right-click the folder → "Add to Favorites".

     

    Result…

    • Finder Sidebar: Folder appears under Favorites.
    • Offline Access: Works offline if fully synced.
    • Sync: Bi-directional sync via OneDrive (no browser needed after setup).
    • Cross-Platform: Works seamlessly between Windows 11 and macOS.

    Common Fixes

    • Folder Missing in OneDrive App?
      You skipped Step 2—shared folders aren’t synced by default. Repeat Step 2.
    • Sync Stuck?
      Pause/resume OneDrive sync (right-click OneDrive icon → Pause Syncing→ resume).

    Key Notes

    • No Network Drive Needed: Uses local sync, not SMB/WebDAV.
    • Browser Only for Initial Setup: After adding to "My files", no browser is required.
    • Business/Personal Accounts: Works for both Microsoft 365 and personal OneDrive.

    This method is confirmed by Microsoft and avoids deprecated network drive workarounds.

     

    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

     

    Hope this will help you.

     

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