How to Back Up Folders Outside Desktop and Documents in OneDrive
Question details
The user wants to back up an arbitrary local directory (such as C:\Development) to OneDrive without having to move the folder into the default Documents, Desktop, or Pictures directories.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to sync or back up a custom local folder to OneDrive cloud storage while keeping the original folder in its current location on the hard drive.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive's PC Folder Backup officially only supports the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures directories, offering no native interface to select and add arbitrary custom folders to the sync list.
Creating symbolic links requires the use of the Command Prompt and administrative privileges. Ensure you have backed up your custom folder locally before making advanced command-line changes to prevent accidental data loss.
Use a Symbolic Link (Directory Junction) to Sync Custom Folders
Use the Windows Command Prompt to create a directory junction that tricks OneDrive into syncing a folder located elsewhere on your hard drive.
While OneDrive does not natively support syncing arbitrary folders through its backup interface, you can create a symbolic link (directory junction). This creates a specialized shortcut inside the OneDrive folder that points to your target folder, allowing OneDrive to read and sync its contents without moving the actual files from their original location.
Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type "cmd" into the search bar, right-click on "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".
Note the exact file path of the local folder you want to back up (e.g., C:\Development) and decide on a name for the folder inside your OneDrive directory (e.g., C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive\Development).
In the Command Prompt, type the following command using your specific paths and press Enter: mklink /J "%UserProfile%\OneDrive\Development" "C:\Development"
Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder. You should now see the linked folder with a shortcut icon. Check that the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray is processing changes and uploading your files.
Move the Custom Folder Directly into the OneDrive Directory
The safest and officially supported method to back up arbitrary folders is to physically relocate the folder into your local OneDrive directory.
Try WPS Office for Built-in Cloud Sync and Document Management
If you are managing numerous documents and struggling with OneDrive's folder limitations, WPS Office offers an excellent, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office. It features built-in WPS Cloud integration that makes backing up and accessing your important documents effortless, without relying on complex command-line workarounds.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office from the official website and run the quick installation.
- 2. Sign in to WPS Cloud: Create a free account or sign in to activate your dedicated WPS Cloud storage space.
- 3. Open and Sync Files: Open your existing Microsoft Office files directly in WPS and save them securely to WPS Cloud for instant backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't OneDrive let me choose which local folders to back up natively?
OneDrive's "PC Folder Backup" feature is specifically designed to protect standard Windows user profile folders (Desktop, Documents, and Pictures). Microsoft restricted this feature to simplify the user experience and prevent complex file path conflicts or system errors that can occur when syncing arbitrary system folders.
Will deleting a file in a symbolically linked OneDrive folder remove it from my PC?
Yes. Because a directory junction (symbolic link) connects the OneDrive directory directly to your original folder, any changes, edits, or deletions made inside the OneDrive folder will immediately reflect in the original local folder.
Does the mklink command work on macOS?
No, mklink is exclusively a Windows command line tool. On macOS, you would use the Terminal and the "ln -s" command to create a symbolic link, though OneDrive for Mac handles symlinks differently and may not sync them reliably to the cloud.
