User Case: I’m trying to sync a SharePoint Online folder by clicking on the Sync button in the library toolbar. And then it got this error message in Microsoft OneDrive – Sorry, we can’t sync this folder, You’re already syncing a shortcut to a folder from this shared library.
The reason why you get this error message is your OneDrive detects the particular SharePoint online folder is already under the OneDrive sync. This way, to avoid double sync, OneDrive will throw this error message.
How did this case come about? There are two possibilities: one is the short they are talking about is created from within Teams by selecting a folder and clicking Add shortcut to OneDrive; the other is OneDrive is unable to sync the file again when a shortcut to a file or folder is being synced.
After some internet research, this article gathers several proven and effective fixes for you to the OneDrive error. Take a closer look!
Fix 1. Remove the SharePoint Shortcut
The error You’re already syncing a shortcut to a folder typically occurs due to a conflict between syncing a folder and having a shortcut to that folder already in OneDrive or SharePoint. The best way to solve the issue is to remove the SharePoint shortcut. Follow the steps:
Step 1. Open your browser and visit the OneDrive site.
Step 2. In the OneDrive home page, you can view the shortcut under My files. Then select the particular folder shortcut you would want to remove > click on Delete.
Step 3. After OneDrive completely deletes the shortcut, you can try to resync a folder.
Fix 2. Unlink Your Account from OneDrive
When a shortcut to a file or folder is being synced, OneDrive cannot sync this folder again. So, another way is to disconnect the link between your account and OneDrive. To do that, you can log out from the OneDrive client and restart your computer. Then link it to a new folder to re-establish the sync.
Also, you can leave the shortcut in OneDrive and access the files from your OneDrive folder in File Explorer instead of creating a new sync.
Fix 3. Reset OneDrive
If the two methods don’t solve the error, then you should consider resetting your OneDrive. It will reset the state and potentially resolve the sync problem.
Step 1. Press Window + R to bring up the Run dialog box.
Step 2. Copy & paste the following OneDrive reset command and hit Enter.
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
In case you receive the Windows cannot find… message, run the following command and click OK.
C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
Step 3. After that, you need to restart the OneDrive app manually by searching in the Windows Search bar and opening it.
Further reading
If you want to seek other sync tools after frustrating such OneDrive errors, there is a professional one for you – MiniTool ShadowMaker. It is an all-in-one and professional backup software designed for Windows 11/10/8/7, providing you with a data protection & disaster recovery solution. Besides syncing, this utility can also be used to back up system, files, folders, as well as disks.
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Final Words
Here is all the information and solutions about how to fix the error You’re already syncing a shortcut to a folder. You can try removing the shortcut in OneDrive, unlinking and relinking your account from the OneDrive client, or resetting your OneDrive.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Nan is always interested in writing and exploring new things. Her enthusiasm for writing leads her to become an English editor. She likes to share helpful information about kinds of Android issues with readers and focuses on PC backup and restore. She also loves to read books and watch documentaries in her spare time.
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