OneDrive Business is a great tool to access your online storage and to keep your Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and Downloads synced between multiple computers. This makes it easier to move from computer to computer without having to manually copy updated files. When OneDrive Business is used in combination with Microsoft Edge and Chrome’s tab sync it is easy to pick up where you left off on another computer.
Follow the instructions on each computer you would like to access your Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and Downloads.
Table of Contents
Setup OneDrive Business
OneDrive is installed by default on Windows 10. However, you should install the lastest verison from Microsoft’s website before you begin. Download OneDrive for Business.
- Click the button below to open OneDrive.
- Approve the request to open OneDrive in your browser.
- Verify your email address is correct and click Sign In.
- Complete the login process.
- Select Next to choose the default folder for OneDrive files.
- Select Next to pass the informational screens.
- Select Later to skip the mobile app. You can set it up later.
- Select Open my OneDrive folder to complete the setup process.
Now that OneDrive is set up on your computer, you can access your files in File Explore. However, the next step will make it easier to use OneDrive by moving your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to OneDrive.
Setup OneDrive Business Backup
OneDrive backup moves the contents of your default profile folders, Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to OneDrive. Those 3 folders not including the Downloads folder are used by most people to access their files. By moving these folders, it makes it easier for you to save files in OneDrive without changing your workflow.
- Open OneDrive by clicking the icon in the taskbar. If you do not see the icon click the up arrow to revel it.
- Click the gear then Settings.
- Select Sync and backup
- Select Manage backup
- Click the toggle switch to enable the backup for each folder.
- Click Save changes
- Select View progress to monitor the backup process.
Now that OneDrive backup is set up you can use the Quick Access links for the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to access files in those folders from OneDrive.
Back up the Downloads folder to OneDrive
The Downloads folder is one of the most useful folders to have backed up to OneDrive but it is not natively supported. This is perhaps because the download location can be customized per application. Most applications will follow the location set for the default folder.
- Open File Explorer using the icon in the taskbar or search for File Explorer in the Start Menu.
- Go to Quick Access in File Explorer
- Right-click the Downloads folder.
- Select Properties.
- Select the Location tab.
- Select Move.
- Select your OneDrive for Business.
- Click New Folder and name the folder Downloads.
- Select the Downloads folder. Then click Select Folder.
- Click OK to save your changes.
- Click Yes to move your files and folders to the new downloads folder.
Now that your Downloads folder has been moved to OneDrive you should verify your internet browser’s download location updated to the new location.
Choose your internet browser to guide you to the download settings.
Conclusion
Although Microsoft calls OneDrive Sync a backup this not true. Microsoft’s service agreement recommends using a third-party backup service to protect your data.
b. We strive to keep the Services up and running; however, all online services suffer occasional disruptions and outages, and Microsoft is not liable for any disruption or loss you may suffer as a result. In the event of an outage, you may not be able to retrieve Your Content or Data that you’ve stored. We recommend that you regularly backup Your Content and Data that you store on the Services or store using Third-Party Apps and Services.
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