OneDrive desktop sync issues

Troy Wastler 0 Reputation points
2026-08-19T03:27:57.38+00:00

When using OneDrive on two separate laptops so that I have identical information on both, if I create a shortcut on computer A the shortcut is shown on Computer B but it shows up as a blank page icon with a green checkmark and is inoperable. My goal is to see and edit the same data and have the desktop icons be identical.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For business | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-19T03:28:13.58+00:00

    This happens because OneDrive is syncing the Desktop folder between both laptops, but application shortcuts created on one laptop often point to programs installed only on that laptop. On the other laptop, the shortcut file is present and synced, but the target app is missing, so the icon can appear blank and the shortcut will not work.

    If the goal is to keep the same files and data on both laptops, but avoid broken desktop shortcuts, turn off Desktop backup in OneDrive:

    1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar.
    2. Open Settings.
    3. Go to Sync and Backup.
    4. Select Manage backup.
    5. Clear Desktop.

    This stops OneDrive from syncing the Desktop folder, while other folders such as Documents or Pictures can remain synced if enabled.

    If the goal is to have identical working desktop shortcuts on both laptops, the same applications must also be installed in matching locations on both devices. Otherwise, synced shortcuts can exist on both laptops but only work on the one where the target app is installed.

    A practical approach is:

    • Keep OneDrive syncing data folders that need to match between laptops.
    • Do not sync Desktop unless both laptops have the same apps installed.
    • Store shared working files in OneDrive-backed folders instead of relying on desktop shortcuts.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Troy Wastler 0 Reputation points
    2026-08-20T15:17:58.4033333+00:00

    Thank you all for the replies. The suggestion of turning off the desktop backup is the direction I plan on taking due to the simplicity and I believe it will fit my needs better.

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  3. Hin Vo 180 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-19T04:25:36.5266667+00:00

    Hi @Troy Wastler

    To ensure I fully understand your situation and provide the most effective assistance, I’ll need a few additional details:

    Could you please let me know where the shortcut on Laptop A is pointing to? Please right-click the shortcut, select Properties, and share the value shown in the Target field.

    Also, can you confirm whether the same target location (file, folder, or application) exists on Laptop B?

    In the meantime, you may refer to the AI's response. This seems related to the requirement for identical working desktop shortcuts on both laptops. In general, the same applications or target locations would need to exist in matching locations on both devices. Otherwise, the shortcut file may sync successfully through OneDrive, but it may only work on the device where the target application or folder actually exists. For example, if the shortcut on Laptop A points to C:\Program Files\AppName\ but the application is not installed on Laptop B, or it is installed in a different location, the shortcut may appear as a blank/generic icon or become invalid on Laptop B. The shortcut itself can be synchronized, but Windows still needs to be able to locate the target path on the destination device.

    Additionally, if the target path does exist on Laptop B and the shortcut still cannot be opened, you may try right-clicking the target file or folder and selecting "Always keep on this device" to ensure the content is fully available locally rather than only in the cloud.

    Please feel free to correct me if I misunderstood your request. If you have any additional concerns, feel free to comment below. I would be more than happy to assist.

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