How to Sync a OneDrive Folder on PC or Mac

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This wikiHow teaches you how to select which folders you want to sync between your computer's local storage and your OneDrive cloud account, using a computer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Windows

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  1. The OneDrive icon looks like two white clouds on the taskbar. You can find it near the clock, language, and volume buttons in the lower-right corner of your screen. [1]
    • This will open a pop-up panel on the bottom-right. You can view your OneDrive files and settings here.
  2. You'll find this button in the upper-right corner of the OneDrive panel. It will open a drop-down menu.
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  3. This will open your Microsoft OneDrive settings in a new window. [2]
  4. This button is in the upper-left corner of the pop-up window.
  5. This will open a list of all the folders you can sync to your OneDrive, and allow you to select which ones you want to sync. [3]
  6. Find the folder you want to sync on the list, and click the box next to it. [4]
    • A checkmark will appear in the box when you click on it.
  7. This button is in the lower-right corner of the pop-up window. It will save your settings, and sync all the checked folders between your computer and your OneDrive account.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Mac

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  1. The OneDrive icon looks like two blue clouds. You can find it on your Applications folder.
  2. You will have to sign in to OneDrive with your Microsoft or Live account.
    • Enter your email address into the email field.
    • Click Sign in .
    • Enter your account password.
    • Click Sign in .
  3. This will allow you to select a main folder on your computer to store and sync other folders and files to OneDrive.
  4. Find the folder you want to sync in the file explorer window, and click on the folder to select it.
  5. This will create a new folder titled "OneDrive" in the selected main folder.
  6. This will open a list of all the subfolders you can sync between your computer and OneDrive.
  7. Click and check the box next to a folder on the list to sync it to your cloud storage.
  8. This will confirm your selection, and create your OneDrive folder on your computer.
  9. This will open your OneDrive folder in a new Finder window. Anything you copy or move here will be automatically synced to your OneDrive account.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I backup my OneDrive data?
    Mitch Harris
    Consumer Technology Expert
    Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.
    Mitch Harris
    Consumer Technology Expert
    Expert Answer
    Go into your OneDrive settings and choose which computer folders you'd like to include in the backup.
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  • Question
    How do I share a OneDrive folder with someone?
    Mitch Harris
    Consumer Technology Expert
    Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.
    Mitch Harris
    Consumer Technology Expert
    Expert Answer
    Right-click on the folder and go to OneDrive selections, which will let you share it with a different person.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ Mitch Harris. Consumer Technology Expert. Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
      2. ↑ Mitch Harris. Consumer Technology Expert. Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
      3. ↑ Mitch Harris. Consumer Technology Expert. Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
      4. ↑ Mitch Harris. Consumer Technology Expert. Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.

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