How to stop OneDrive sync issues with .lnk shortcuts

Resolving OneDrive’s Refusal to Sync .lnk Shortcuts on Windows 10/11

As OneDrive users, we’ve all experienced the frustration of the cloud storage service stubbornly refusing to sync our .lnk shortcuts. While handy for organizing our workflow, these convenient shortcuts often trigger ominous OneDrive sync errors, leaving files stranded locally.

Through insightful technical forum discussions, we’ve discovered several techniques to resolve this common Windows pitfall. By tweaking Group Policies or revoking OneDrive’s access to certain folders, we can selectively exclude pesky .lnk files from syncing and eliminate those aggravating notifications.

Pinpointing the Culprit: How .lnk Shortcuts Disrupt the OneDrive Sync Process

When OneDrive encounters permission restrictions on .lnk shortcuts, the sync process breaks down. Unable to fully access or modify the files, OneDrive throws up its virtual hands in defeat.

Does OneDrive block synchronization?

If you use Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office, an option in OneDrive lets Office control the saving and syncing of files to help you share them with other people. Unfortunately, that option can sometimes block or interrupt the synchronization. To correct this, especially if you don’t need to collaborate on files, go to OneDrive settings.

How to pause OneDrive syncing?

The previous action opens OneDrive’s menu. On it, click or tap on “Pause syncing” and select “2 hours” or any of the other options available. OneDrive immediately stops syncing your files for the time you selected. In its popup window, it tells you about the syncing pause, just like in the screenshot below.

This security precaution, implemented by various software manufacturers, prevents unauthorized changes to shortcuts. Unfortunately, it also foils OneDrive’s sincerest attempts at including such files in its cloud-based storage.

The result? Endless sync errors and warnings that stubbornly resist all efforts to resolve them. Unless we proactively intervene, OneDrive indefatigably persists in vain to upload these forbidden .lnk files.

Workaround #1: Selectively Disable Sync Notifications for .lnk Files

Rather than tolerate those incessant notifications, let’s preemptively silence OneDrive’s sync reports on .lnk files.

By accessing OneDrive’s settings and unchecking the sync box for folders containing shortcuts, we prevent sync attempts on those files. Disabling "Display sync provider notifications" eliminates aggravating pop-ups. While shortcuts remain locally, OneDrive abandons its futile sync efforts.

This simple setting adjustment lets us keep our .lnk workflow intact without annoying disruptions. OneDrive stops hassling us about syncing what it can’t, leaving the shortcuts integrated in our system while safely stowed off the cloud storage grid.

How do I force OneDrive to sync Windows 10?

In either Windows 11 or Windows 10, forcing OneDrive to sync your files can be rather easy, although not exactly intuitive. All you have to do is “Pause syncing” and then “Resume syncing.” Here’s how to do it: Click or tap on OneDrive’s icon from the right side of the taskbar.

Does OneDrive sync work on Windows 7?

Important: The OneDrive sync app is no longer supported on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Learn more. If you are experiencing problems accessing OneDrive online, you can see the status of Microsoft Office Online Services at the Service Health portal. Tip: Get tech expertise with Business Assist.

Workaround #2: Excluding Shortcuts from Sync by Location

Alternatively, we can also configure OneDrive to exclude .lnk files by location rather than type.

The Public user profile’s desktop allows selective sync. By moving shortcuts here from our own desktops, we redirect OneDrive handling to an ignored folder.

Access the default Public desktop atC:\Users\Public\Desktop. Then relocate troublesome shortcuts by cut-paste or drag-drop. OneDrive then skips syncing anything in this discrete location, while our workflow proceeds unimpeded.

This convenient Public folder provides the perfect haven for our unruly .lnk files. Tucked out of OneDrive’s reach, yet still handy on our system’s public desktop, those pesky shortcuts can cause no further disruption.

Workaround #3: Adjust Permissions Settings for .lnk Shortcuts

Sometimes the problem lies not with OneDrive’s sync settings, but insufficient permissions granted to shortcuts themselves.

When mired in a sync standstill, check each .lnk file’s properties under Security. Ensure your user account has full control selected.

With the proper permissions settings configured, OneDrive manages to successfully upload those once-troublesome shortcuts. Sync issues resolve, order returns, and shortcuts seamlessly integrate into our cloud-based storage again.

How to backup Windows 10 OneDrive?

Go to the Backup tab and click Manage Backup. 3. Finally, click Start Backup to make it. Sometimes, you may meet Windows 10 OneDrive sync problems: you cannot sync files between your computer and OneDrive; OneDrive does not sync all files; OneDrive sync is slow and other OneDrive sync problems.

What happens if I delete a file or folder from OneDrive?

OneDrive uses a two-way synchronization protocol for your OneDrive files and folders. Because of this, whenever you delete a file or folder from OneDrive, it will also be deleted from your computer. And the other way around.

Workaround #4: Configuring Group Policy Exclusions for .lnk Files

For those with Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, the Group Policy Editor offers more robust sync suppression options.

Under Computer Configuration, navigate to Administrative Templates > OneDrive > "Prevent the syncing of specified file types."

Enable this policy and input *.lnk to selectively exclude shortcuts from OneDrive’s sync process. This method reliably blocks sync activity on this obstinate file type across our systems.

Eliminating Annoying OneDrive Sync Headaches

With these expert techniques, we can finally rest easy knowing our .lnk shortcuts remain safely stashed where we want them. No more frustrating sync errors or warnings disrupt our workflow.

OneDrive seamlessly stores the files we specify, skipping only unwanted .lnk shortcuts. Configured properly, our cloud storage integrates smoothly and unobtrusively into our Windows experience.

How do I Sync my OneDrive Files to my PC?

Open File Explorer. Click on OneDrive in the left-hand column. Navigate to the file or folder in question. Right-click on the file/folder. Click on Always keep on this device. The icon will change to a white tick in a green circle, and the selected files will sync to your PC. It could take a few minutes, depending on the files’ size.

How do I uninstall OneDrive?

Then you can unlink OneDrive from your account at the Account tab > Unlink this PC and uninstall OneDrive if you wish. Don’t just uninstall OneDrive until you first do those other things otherwise your files would remain stuck in the OneDrive folder even if they are no longer syncing.

How do I fix OneDrive not syncing?

Restarting OneDrive may fix any connection problems that are causing OneDrive to not sync properly. To restart OneDrive, right-click the OneDrive icon in the desktop’s system tray and then click “Close OneDrive” from the menu. A notification window will appear asking if you’re sure you want to close OneDrive.

Have you discovered any other clever workarounds for OneDrive’s .lnk quirks? Let us know in the comments below! We look forward to syncing up on shortcut success.

References

1. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1284374/how-do-i-keep-onedrive-from-trying-to-follow-lnk-f?orderby=newest
2. https://www.howtogeek.com/879710/how-to-stop-onedrive-from-syncing-windows-desktop-shortcuts/

How do I remove synced folders from OneDrive?

(a) Right-click the OneDrive icon in the Tray, & click Settings. (b) At the Account tab, click the Choose Folders button. (c) Uncheck the folders you want to be available online only. I won’t dare uncheck the Desktop folder. Was this reply helpful? I am looking to remove synced folders from one drive.

How do I stop a Microsoft OneDrive process?

Open the Task Manager and select the Processes tab. Then, find the Microsoft OneDrive process, right-click (press-and-hold) on it and select End Task to stop its process. In the same Task Manager window, open the File menu and click or tap on Run new task.