Syncing files to SharePoint using OneDrive and symbolic links: a step-by-step guide
By Cameron CromerPrincipal Engineer
The short answer
You can sync a local folder to SharePoint without robocopy scripts or scheduled tasks. Add the SharePoint library to OneDrive, then create a symbolic link on the system side that points to the OneDrive folder, not the other way round. Files written to the link sync to SharePoint and gain its recycle bin and retention.
Many organizations struggle with efficiently moving files to SharePoint. While robocopy scripts are one solution, they require scheduled tasks. Here’s a clever alternative using OneDrive and symbolic links that provides a more elegant and seamless solution.
Important note about symbolic links
While OneDrive doesn’t officially support symbolic links in the traditional direction (from File Explorer to OneDrive), there’s a workaround. By making the OneDrive folder the source and creating the symbolic link on the system folder side, we can achieve successful synchronization.
Step-by-step process
1. Setting up the SharePoint connection
- Navigate to your SharePoint site
- Add a shortcut to your OneDrive
- Wait for the sync to complete
Tip: If sync issues occur, try restarting OneDrive
2. Creating the symbolic link
- Create necessary folders in SharePoint
- Important: Don’t create the target folder on your local system
- Run the symbolic link command as administrator
- Verify the creation of the shortcut-enabled folder
3. Testing the connection
- Create test files to verify synchronization
- Files created in the symbolic link folder automatically appear in OneDrive
- Changes sync immediately to SharePoint
- Note: Ensure OneDrive is running to avoid connectivity issues
Additional benefits
SharePoint integration
- Files automatically sync to SharePoint
- Perfect for remote monitoring of production equipment
- Access to SharePoint Recycle Bin functionality
- Retention period for deleted files
- Compatible with SharePoint automation tools and PowerApps
Data protection features
- SharePoint Recycle Bin provides file recovery options
- Deleted files can be restored easily
- Consider implementing additional SharePoint backup solutions
- Integration with existing SharePoint workflows and automation
This solution offers a robust way to synchronize files to SharePoint while maintaining file integrity and providing backup options. It’s particularly useful for organizations needing to monitor logs or files from remote locations while leveraging SharePoint’s feature set.
