OneDive url link

That's because these (shared folders) can be accessible from anywhere not only in local network.

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Ahmed Masoud

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When you share a folder or file from OneDrive, what you’re really doing is generating a link to the content in the cloud. This is different from creating a local file path. The URL link will always point to the online location of the file/folder on OneDrive, not a file that’s physically stored on your local machine.

 1. Shared Folders = URL Links

When you share a folder or file on OneDrive, it generates a URL link that points to the online version of the file or folder. This URL can be shared with others, allowing them to access the content directly in their browsers or OneDrive.

• How it works: When someone clicks on the shared link, they are directed to the file/folder on OneDrive’s servers, not to a copy stored on their computer.
• Purpose: The link allows others to view, edit, or download files without needing local access.

 2. If You Want to Make a Local Copy of the Shared Folder:

Option 1: Sync the Folder with OneDrive on Your PC

If you want to treat the shared folder as if it were stored locally on your computer, you’ll need to sync the folder with your PC. Here’s how:

• Go to the shared folder in OneDrive.
• Click on the "Sync" button (usually in the upper-right).
• Follow the prompts to sync the folder to your OneDrive folder on your computer.
• Once synced, the folder will appear in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) as if it were a regular folder. This folder is physically stored on your machine.

Option 2: Download the Folder Manually

If you don’t need to sync, you can also just download the folder:

• Go to OneDrive and open the shared folder.
• Click Download (usually at the top).
• The folder (and all contents) will be downloaded as a ZIP file, which you can extract locally.

 3. The Difference Between URLs and Local Files

The URL links you create for sharing are just pointers to the cloud. Local files are actual files that are stored on your device.

• URL link: Will work anywhere (as long as you have internet access) and opens directly in the browser or app.
• Local file: Can only be accessed from your computer or device (unless synced to the cloud or shared manually).

Example:

If you share a folder via OneDrive:

• URL link: https://onedrive.live.com/...
• Opens in the browser or OneDrive app.
• Others with the link can access it online.
• Local file: C:\Users\[YourName]\OneDrive\Documents\SharedFolder
• You must have OneDrive synced to access it on your device.

 4. Common Confusion

• Link = URL to the cloud: When sharing from OneDrive, it's a link to the cloud storage, not a local file path.
• Sync = Local Copy: If you need the folder on your device for local use or offline, use OneDrive’s sync feature.

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