How to use Shared with me in Proton Drive for Windows

The Shared with me folder in the Proton Drive for Windows desktop app lets you access and manage files and folders that have been shared with you directly from your laptop or computer. Here’s how to use it.

What is Shared with me?

Shared with me is a dedicated space within Proton Drive for Windows that lets you view all the files and folders shared with you by others in one place. 

To see these files and folders in the Windows app, you must first accept the shared item, either via the email notification or via Proton Drive in your browser(new window). You can use the desktop app to view:

• Permissions: The level of access you have (e.g., view, edit).
• Name: The name of the shared file or folder.
• Shared by: The person who shared the item.
• Shared on: When the item was shared with you.

You can choose to sync shared files and folders to your computer by toggling Sync to On. This downloads the shared item to your computer so that you can access it even without an internet connection.

You can find the files and folders you choose to sync to your device by opening Windows File Explorer and navigating to Proton Drive > Shared with me.

How to use Shared with me in Proton Drive for Windows

Sync shared items to your device

• When you sync a file or folder it downloads to your computer, letting you access and edit it offline. Any changes you make will be synced when you reconnect.
• You can sync a file or folder to your computer by switching the Sync toggle next your chosen item to On.
• Synced files and folders will appear in the new Shared with me subfolder within the Proton Drive folder in Windows File Explorer.
• To save disk space, files and folders are not automatically downloaded. You can only access un-synced files while connected to the internet.

Check file status

You can use the status icons within the Shared with me subfolder to understand each file or folder’s availability.

• Only available online: Items marked with a cloud can only be accessed when you are connected to the internet. Double click the file or folder to download it and make it available offline.
• Available offline : Items marked with a tick are already downloaded to your computer and can be accessed without an internet connection.

Edit shared files

You can open and edit any file that you have edit rights for. Once you make edits, your changes are automatically synced and visible to the owner of the file and other collaborators.

Remove a shared file or folder

If you no longer want to see a shared item, you must first toggle Sync to Off. Then you can delete it from your Shared with me folder.

You can also remove yourself from the shared item. This removes your access to the file across all platforms.

Troubleshooting

• File not syncing: Ensure the Sync toggle is turned to On. If the problem persists, try un-syncing and then re-syncing the file or folder.
• Unable to remove the shared item: You must un-sync an item before you can remove it from the Shared with me folder.
• Handling conflicts: If a file conflict occurs, the app may rename the file or create a new version to maintain data integrity.
• Can’t see shared items: For shared items to appear in Proton Drive for Windows, you must first accept them via the email notification or via Proton Drive in your browser(new window).