What it means
Add shortcut to My files makes a shared folder easier to reach from your OneDrive and synced devices. The files still belong to the owner and edits may affect collaborators. Downloading a folder instead makes a separate local copy that does not automatically receive future updates. Removing a shortcut should only remove your pointer; deleting the underlying shared folder can affect everyone with access.
A real-world example
A volunteer downloads a shared event folder and edits a flyer offline. The team still sees the old flyer because the downloaded copy is independent. A colleague who edits through the shortcut changes the shared original for everyone.
What to do
Before acting, decide whether you want ongoing collaboration or a frozen local copy. Use Remove shortcut from My files to declutter, Download for a snapshot, and ask the owner to revoke sharing if access itself should end.
The distinction that matters
A shortcut is not ownership and does not give permission beyond what was shared. It may show as a web shortcut during service changes. Removing it from your list does not delete the owner's files or revoke your underlying permission; these are separate operations. If access expires later, the shortcut cannot preserve it. Ask the owner to restore permission rather than moving files around in your own drive.
Microsoft shared-folder shortcuts
