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Janreinecke's avatar
Janreinecke
Copper Contributor
Feb 04, 2025

Documents Folder Location

Which is the best practice: Move PC Documents folder Location to Onedrive OR use Back-Up setting in Onedrive's Settings

1 Reply

  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Gold Contributor

    You have two main options for syncing your Documents folder with OneDrive:

    1. Move the "Documents" folder location to OneDrive manually
    2. Use OneDrive’s Backup feature (Manage Backup)

    Which is better? It depends on your needs!

     

    Option 1: Moving the "Documents" Folder to OneDrive (Recommended for Full Sync & Cloud Access)

    What it does:

    • Moves your entire "Documents" folder into OneDrive.
    • All documents are automatically synced with the cloud.
    • Works well for accessing files across multiple devices.

    How to do it:

    1. Open File Explorer → Right-click on the Documents folder.
    2. Select Properties → Location tab.
    3. Click Move → Choose OneDrive\Documents as the new location.
    4. Click Apply → OK.

    Pros:
    Ensures all files are always in OneDrive.
    Works seamlessly across devices.
    No extra settings needed—just save files as usual.

    Cons:
    If OneDrive isn’t running, you may not see your documents.
    Requires manual setup for other PCs.

     

    Option 2: Using OneDrive Backup (Easier but Less Control)

    What it does:

    • Keeps your Documents folder in the original location (C:\Users\YourName\Documents).
    • OneDrive copies & syncs the files without moving the folder.

    How to enable it:

    1. Click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar.
    2. Go to Settings → Sync & Backup → Manage Backup.
    3. Enable Documents, Desktop, or any other folder you want.

    Pros:
    Easy to set up—just a few clicks.
    Doesn’t change folder structure in File Explorer.
    Automatically backs up files even if they are outside OneDrive.

    Cons:
    Sync conflicts if files are edited offline.
    Takes up space both locally and in OneDrive.
    Doesn’t work well for large folders (e.g., game saves, app data).

     

    Best Practice: Which One to Choose?

    Use Option 1 (Move Folder to OneDrive) IF:

    • You want full integration with OneDrive.
    • You use multiple devices and need all files instantly.
    • You are comfortable changing the default folder location.

    Use Option 2 (OneDrive Backup) IF:

    • You don’t want to change folder locations manually.
    • You want an easy way to sync files without moving them.
    • You only need occasional backups, not full-time sync.

    Hybrid Approach:
    Move your Documents folder to OneDrive for full sync (Option 1).
    Use OneDrive Backup for Desktop & Pictures only (Option 2).

    The text, steps and the code were created with the help of AI.

     

    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

     

    Hope this will help you.

     

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