How to sync files and folders to OneDrive on a PC or Mac computer
- When you set up OneDrive, it's automatically configured to sync all your files, including documents and photos, to the cloud.
- If you don't want to sync everything, you can sync specific files and folders to OneDrive on your computer under "Preferences" in OneDrive's "Help & Settings" menu.
- OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage service that makes your files available across devices through either a public internet or a private network connection.
Using Microsoft OneDrive, you can keep personal files stored on your computer in sync with the cloud. Those same files are then synced automatically and available on other devices. Doing this is an easy way to ensure your desktop and laptop always have access to the same set of documents, photos, and more.
By default, OneDrive syncs all the files from your computer's OneDrive folders in sync with the cloud. But you can also customize which folders you sync and back up for viewing on and offline.
You'll first need to sign in to your OneDrive account to begin. Once you've done that, here's how to sync your files to OneDrive.
How to sync files to OneDrive on a PC
1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification menu at the bottom right of your desktop screen.
2. In the pop-up menu that appears, click "Help & Settings."
3. Select "Settings."
4. Choose the "Account" tab in the Microsoft OneDrive Settings window.
5. Click "Choose folders."
6. After a moment, you should see a list of all the folders in the OneDrive folder on your computer. To sync all the files and folders, click "Make all files available."
- Note: You can also select just the folders you want to sync if you don't want everything backed up.
7. When you're done, click "OK."
How to sync files to OneDrive on a Mac
1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification menu in the top right of your Mac desktop screen.
2. Select "Help & Settings" from the pop-up menu.
3. Choose "Preferences."
4. Click the "Account" tab.
5. Click "Choose Folders."
6. Check the boxes next to the list of folders to sync their files to the cloud. You can also select "Sync all files and folders to OneDrive."
7. Once you've set your sync settings, select "OK."
Related coverage from Tech Reference:
How to download files and folders from OneDrive to your computer
How to share files and folders on OneDrive on a PC in several different ways
How to delete files from OneDrive storage in 2 different ways, and remove them from all of your connected devices
How to add OneDrive to the File Explorer in Windows 10, so that you always have access to your saved files
How to sync Microsoft OneNote notebooks on a Windows PC and keep your work up-to-date across devices
Dave Johnson Freelance Writer Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider. Read more Read lessWatch: A diehard Mac user switches to PC
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnpJqwqXvHqK5mrJ9iwLq6wmadoqSVqHq1u4yopZ6cop7Dpg%3D%3D