Allow folders to be shared/co-owned with access/sync the same for all co-owners
You can do this with competing consumer cloud storage systems. OneDrive should offer that functionality as well.
Users would be able to add shared folders to their own OneDrive, syncing the folders on their computer like any other OneDrive folders.
Anonymous
shared this idea
Hi all -
I’m excited to let you know that we’ve begun rolling out Shared Folder sync on OneDrive. We can’t wait for you to start using it!
How does it work? We have a new action on OneDrive, called “Add to my OneDrive.” Whenever you are using OneDrive on the web, or through the mobile app, you’ll see this when you are browsing content that others have shared with you. Clicking “Add to my OneDrive” will add that folder to your OneDrive. From then on, whenever you browse your OneDrive, you’ll be able to see any of the shared folders you’ve added. And on the sync client, when you select what folders to sync, you’ll see all the shared folders you’ve added. Select the shared folder(s) you want and they’ll immediately begin syncing to your PC or Mac.
We’re rolling this out which takes some time, and of course you may get it before your friend who also wants it (try not to rub it in). Shared Folder sync is available on Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and MacOS. Windows 8.1 users will need to upgrade to Windows 10 to get this feature. Note that you’ll only be able to sync shared folders where you have Editor permissions.
Let us know how Shared Folders work for you – and go sync those files!
612 comments
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Kia
commented
Given the insane level of interest in this feature, it may be appropriate for the good engineers at MS to give more regular feedback on progress. Just a couple of words so at least we know someone is listening and the wheels are still in motion... Omar, would this be possible? Or prohibited by MS policy?
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Bob Garon
commented
What is the status of this feature and fixing the problem where editors can rename and move files?
Thank you very, very much! -
Anonymous
commented
Looking forward to seeing this! It'll be a great addition.
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Jacob
commented
PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE - otherwise I will have to switch!
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Anonymous
commented
Kindly provide an update as to progress.
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Stefan Bertels
commented
Unbelievable this isn't possible already! Dropbox, GoogleDrive have this basic feature of syncing files between different accounts/machines. AFAIR OneDrive had this feature built-in, too -- long time ago (FolderShare roots).
We bought Office 365 Home just for sharing family photos between family PCs (edit and organise photos on all machines).
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wolfgang
commented
Patrick you can stay at Dropbox I think; Mr. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft announced on the 4th November the integration of Dropbox in MS Office: see link:
http://news.microsoft.com/2014/11/04/microsoft-and-dropbox-announce-strategic-partnership-to-give-people-more-freedom-in-how-they-work-2/
Seems MS is giving up the hope to get a satisfying OneDrive solution.... -
Patrick
commented
I was about to pay for the onedrive. I hold back because lack of this feature. I need it urgent and I already went to dropbox. One year later, after my dropbox expire, I will come backl...
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Roman
commented
Better speed it up. Took me few hours just to figure out co-owned folders still doesn't exist in OneDrive which makes it useless for me. Looks like I'm gonna have to use Google Drive still :/
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Anonymous
commented
I had assumed that users could collaborate and mutually contribute content to a folder, as all the other major cloud services offer this feature. A major disappointment now that I'm finding out this feature is not available. My wife and I purchased an Office 365 subscription so we could share photos with our family. Not having this feature throws a huge wrench in our plans/workflow. PLEASE ADD SOON!!!
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Paul
commented
We really need this feature as soon as possible.
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Steve Lewis
commented
Frustrating since mesh and groove had this functionality. Understand the complexity but let's get this sorted since it prevents our business adoption Office 365 which we would like to.
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Ted Wobber
commented
I hope you succeed, Omar. It is really frustrating that I can share a family OneDrive folder on Windows 7, but not Windows 8. I am right now, today, installing a new computer and because of this it will be Windows 7, not Windows 8 ... even though I have a new Windows 8 CD in my hands.
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Anonymous
commented
This feature is a "must have". And it is the only reason that my family use "DropBox" and not Onedrive. Please get this feature fast to Onedrive.
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Anonymous
commented
OneDrive is worthless without this feature!
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Pauline
commented
This missing feature that one major flaw in OneDrive. It would allow uploading to Podio and other third party apps from these shared folders. It is incredibly important, I'm hoping to see this rolled out soon!
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GraniteStateColin
commented
Vital feature. I just assumed this was part of any modern cloud storage system. I was stunned to learn that this wasn't possible. That really kills the value of all the OneDrive storange including with Office 365. Now I have to consider Google Docs, just because of the storage and sharing issue. Ugh. Hate Google and Google Docs, but if that's the only way to do what we need to do...
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wolfgang
commented
I think the first forum - comments about this shared-folder-sync lack are from 2012 - at this time 'skydrive'. until end of 2014 Microsoft was not able to provide what other cloud drive competitors could do.
Now I read, that Microsoft announced on 5th November 14 to cooperate closely with dropbox! It will be able to have direct connection between Office-Software and dropbox.
Mr. Omar Shahine, you were too slow, the problem will be solved by competitors. -
Kia
commented
Like others, can't wait to see this feature rolled out. But I'm curious about how this would work with office files like a Word doc where it is currently possible for multiple clients to simultaneously edit a shared file using Word on desktop (imagine each one opening their local copy of a shared file). Currently your edits are synced with the cloud when you press the save button which means you only pick up other collaborators' changes in your editor when you sync (not when they sync). But then this would be at odds with the way we think of file sharing on say dropbox which pushes the changes to all client desktops as soon as someone updates the file.
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Anonymous
commented
Absolutely agree with the them here...need OneDrive to have the same (or better) ability to share folders and have them appear within everyone's OneDrive folder structure for both OneDrive Personal AND OneDrive for Business. These folders need to be able to sync to the desktop AND be accessible through the web on both Windows and non-Windows clients (IOS, Android, etc.). If you (Microsoft) can nail this you have the leverage to take back a large chunk of the DropBox, GoogleDrive, etc. market. Until you do....it is a show-stopper.
