one drive issue

When your users access a shared folder (on the “master drive”), OneDrive is not syncing it as a local folder. Instead, it creates Internet Shortcut files (.url) — which just open the folder in a web browser, not File Explorer.

This happens because shared folders are not automatically synced to users’ local OneDrive folders unless each user manually adds the shortcut.

Solution approach (User-Level Fix): Sync Shared Folder to Local File Explorer

Each user must manually add the shared folder to their OneDrive, so it syncs and shows in File Explorer.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Open the shared folder via the browser

• This may be from an email invite or OneDrive web.
• Example: https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=...

Click Add shortcut to My files (top menu)

• This links the folder to their personal OneDrive.

Wait for OneDrive to Sync

• OneDrive client will now show the folder in File Explorer under:

C:\Users\<YourName>\OneDrive\<SharedFolderName>

Create a Desktop Shortcut (optional but useful)

• Open the folder in File Explorer.
• Right-click > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
• This shortcut now opens the synced folder directly (not in the browser).

Don’t…

Don’t drag a link from the browser to the desktop — it creates a .url file, not a folder.

Don’t assume syncing is automatic for all shared folders — each user must opt in unless you're using enterprise-level device management.

Why Others May Not Have This Problem

They may be using Microsoft 365 Business/Enterprise, which allows:

• OneDrive for Business
• SharePoint + Group Policies
• Intune or Endpoint Manager auto-provisioning

Admins in those companies often pre-sync shared folders using Group Policy or PowerShell scripts.

Since you're using personal Office 365, these enterprise management tools are not available, and so each user must manually sync shared folders.

Quick Recap for You to Share with Your Team

Why does OneDrive open shared folders in the browser?
Because the folder isn't synced locally. To fix this:

• Open the folder link in your browser.
• Click "Add shortcut to My files."
• Let OneDrive sync it to your PC.
• Open File Explorer > OneDrive to access it locally.

My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

Hope this will help you.