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Can OneDrive Sync Folders from Both C and D Drives?
Question details
The user wants to know if OneDrive can be configured to synchronize separate folders located on multiple local hard drives, such as the C and D drives, at the same time.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to sync or back up files that are spread across different local disk partitions without moving them all to the C drive.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive natively restricts synchronization to a single designated root folder on one drive, preventing users from selecting additional folders located on other drives.
Check your current OneDrive storage folder location in File Explorer and verify that your Windows operating system is updated to support the Files On-Demand feature.
Use OneDrive Files On-Demand to Save Space
Since OneDrive requires all synced folders to remain in a single root directory on the configured drive, you can use Files On-Demand to keep files online-only, freeing up local disk space so you don't need to move folders to the D drive.
OneDrive does not normally synchronize separate Windows system folders from multiple drive locations. Instead of attempting to span sync across C and D drives, the most effective workaround is to optimize your primary drive's storage.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar notification area. Click the gear icon at the top right of the flyout menu and select 'Settings'.
Navigate to the 'Sync and backup' tab (or the 'Settings' tab in older versions), expand 'Advanced settings', and toggle on 'Files On-Demand'.
Open File Explorer, locate your OneDrive folder, right-click any large folders (like your system photo folder) that you want to remove from your local drive, and select 'Free up space'. The files will remain safely in the cloud.
Move the Entire OneDrive Folder to the D Drive
If your primary C drive lacks sufficient storage for all your files, you can relocate the main OneDrive sync folder entirely to your D drive.
Experience Hassle-Free Document Syncing with WPS Office
If navigating complex multi-drive sync limitations in Microsoft OneDrive is slowing you down, WPS Office provides a streamlined, lightweight alternative. Featuring its own integrated WPS Cloud storage, it allows you to effortlessly manage, back up, and sync your important documents across all your devices without worrying about intricate local drive configurations.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for Windows.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the quick on-screen installation instructions.
- 3. Sign In to WPS Cloud: Launch the application and sign in with your email or social account to instantly activate your free cloud storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use symbolic links to sync a folder on the D drive to OneDrive?
Yes, advanced users can use the Command Prompt to create directory junctions (symbolic links) that map a folder on the D drive to a location inside the OneDrive folder on the C drive. However, this is not officially supported by Microsoft and can occasionally lead to sync errors or duplicated data.
Why does OneDrive restrict syncing to a single folder location?
OneDrive is designed to monitor a single root directory to ensure reliable real-time syncing and to prevent complex file conflicts. Restricting synchronization to one designated folder simplifies file indexing and system resource management.
Will I lose my files if I use the 'Free up space' feature?
No. Using 'Free up space' only removes the locally cached copy of the file from your hard drive to save space. The original file remains securely stored in your online OneDrive cloud and can be downloaded again at any time.
