Remove a shared OneDrive folder shortcut without deleting teammates' work

A folder shared with you can appear under My files after you choose Add shortcut to My files. That convenience makes it easy to mistake it for a folder you own. Microsoft's guidance distinguishes removing the shortcut from deleting the shared folder itself: deleting the folder can remove content for everyone and require the owner to restore it. Confirm what you are selecting before cleaning a crowded OneDrive.

Before you start​

Open OneDrive on the web using the intended account. Identify who shared the folder and whether you have edit permission. If the content matters, ask the owner about retention or transfer before changing anything. Do not experiment on a live team folder to learn the menu.

Do it step by step​

1. Go to My files and find the shortcut. Its appearance may vary, including an internet-style shortcut in some sync states. Check the folder's details and compare it with the item under Shared or Shared with you.
2. If you merely want it out of your own My files view, select the shortcut itself and choose Remove shortcut from My files. Read the confirmation wording and avoid Delete if that action targets the underlying folder.
3. Check that the shortcut disappeared from your My files and synchronized File Explorer, while the original shared folder remains accessible under Shared. Other collaborators should still see their content.
4. If you actually need a separate offline snapshot, use Download and verify the copy. A downloaded copy does not keep receiving the owner's future edits, and your edits to it do not automatically go back to the shared folder.
5. If you no longer need access at all, ask the owner to revoke sharing or use the sharing controls available to your role. Removing your shortcut alone does not change the owner's permission list.
6. Before clearing a shortcut from a work device, check that a synced local folder is not holding unsynced edits. Wait for sync to complete and verify the latest file version online.

Check the result​

The folder disappears from your personal My files area but remains intact for the owner and collaborators. If access was meant to end, the owner has also changed sharing permissions.

If something goes wrong​

If the folder was deleted accidentally, contact its owner immediately and inspect OneDrive or SharePoint recycle-bin recovery. Do not recreate a blank folder with the same name and assume it restores prior files or permissions.

Know the limit​

A shortcut does not transfer ownership or consume your OneDrive storage in the way a copied folder does. Removal does not revoke access. Behavior can differ for work/school libraries and external shares, so inspect the actual menu before acting. Microsoft shared-folder shortcuts