How do I add a SharePoint folder to OneDrive?

Open the SharePoint library in your browser, then use Sync or Add shortcut to OneDrive on the command bar. On smaller screens Sync is often under the ⋯ (three-dot) menu. Confirm the OneDrive desktop app is signed in with your work account, then find the folder under OneDrive in File Explorer or Finder. Step-by-step screenshots are below.

What is the difference between Sync and Add shortcut to OneDrive?

Sync keeps a live copy of that library or folder on this PC through the OneDrive app. Add shortcut to OneDrive puts a shortcut in your OneDrive so the folder appears across your signed-in devices. Use Sync when you need offline files on one machine; prefer Add shortcut when both options are available and you work from more than one device.

I do not see the Sync button in SharePoint. Where is it?

On narrow windows and smaller screens the command bar hides actions under the ⋯ (three-dot) menu. Open that menu and look for Sync. Also confirm you are in a document library (not a page or list), signed in with a work account that has access, and that the OneDrive desktop app is installed if you intend to sync to this PC.

SOS TECH

Add a SharePoint folder to OneDrive

These steps use the modern SharePoint and OneDrive experience in a browser, then the OneDrive sync app on your computer. Menu labels can vary slightly by tenant and screen width. If you are on a managed PC, stay signed in with your work Microsoft 365 account.

Sync vs Add shortcut to OneDrive

Both put SharePoint content where you can open it from File Explorer or Finder. Pick the one that matches how you work:

Sync — keeps a live copy of that library or folder on this PC through the OneDrive app. Best when you need offline files on one machine.
Add shortcut to OneDrive — places a shortcut inside your OneDrive so the folder shows up across your signed-in devices. Microsoft’s preferred option for most people when both appear.

Side-by-side comparison of SharePoint Sync versus Add shortcut to OneDrive, with short captions for each option — Sync is tied to this PC; Add shortcut to OneDrive follows your account across devices.

1. Open the SharePoint library or folder

Sign in to Microsoft 365 in Edge or Chrome with your work account, then open the SharePoint site that holds the files.
In the left nav, open Documents (or the library you were given). Drill into a subfolder if you only need that folder.
Stay on the library view — you should see the command bar with New, Upload, and related actions above the file list.

SharePoint Shared Documents library with Sync and Add shortcut to OneDrive visible on the command bar; Sync is outlined — Wide layout: Sync and Add shortcut to OneDrive sit on the command bar above the files.

2. Choose Sync or Add shortcut to OneDrive

Optional: select the folder first if you want only that folder, not the whole library.
Click Add shortcut to OneDrive if you want it in OneDrive on all your devices, or Sync for a copy on this PC.
If the browser prompts to open the OneDrive app, allow it. Confirm you are signed into OneDrive with the same work account.

Narrow SharePoint command bar with the three-dot menu open; Sync is highlighted inside the overflow menu — If Sync is missing from the toolbar, open ⋯ — Sync is often under that menu on smaller screens.

3. Confirm OneDrive and find the folder

Check the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area (or the Mac menu bar). It should show you signed in; a green check means files are up to date.
Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). Under OneDrive – YourOrganization, look for the SharePoint site or library name (for Sync) or a shortcut folder inside your OneDrive (for Add shortcut).
Green checkmarks on files mean they finished downloading or are available on demand. You can right-click a file and choose Always keep on this device if you need it offline.

File Explorer showing OneDrive Contoso with Shared Documents and green sync checkmarks; OneDrive tray shows sync complete — After sync, the library appears under OneDrive with status icons. The tray cloud confirms the client is healthy.

Troubleshooting

Not seeing Sync. Widen the browser, open the ⋯ menu on the command bar, or try Edge. Sync requires the OneDrive desktop app and a work or school account with permission to that library. Viewing files only in the browser does not create a local sync.
Browser vs desktop. “Add shortcut to OneDrive” works from the browser and shows in OneDrive on the web and on signed-in devices. Sync always needs the desktop OneDrive client running on that PC.
Wrong or empty folder. Confirm the OneDrive icon is the work account (not a personal @outlook.com). Pause/resume sync from the tray menu, or sign out and back into OneDrive Settings → Account.
Sync icon stuck or errors. Open the OneDrive tray → View sync problems. Free up disk space, and make sure the path is not blocked by antivirus quarantine. Restart OneDrive from the tray if needed.
Still stuck. Call SOS TECH at (603) 556-4055 — we can confirm permissions and the OneDrive client on a remote session.

OneDrive & SharePoint