OneDrive File Issues

How to Change the Default OneDrive Folder Path on Windows and Mac

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to change the default folder location used by the OneDrive desktop application for saving and synchronizing files.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Moving the default OneDrive synchronization folder to a new local drive or partition to organize storage or free up disk space.
Observed behavior: The user needs to set up a new custom directory path instead of using the system's default location for OneDrive synchronization.

Before you start

Ensure all your current OneDrive files are fully synced to the cloud (look for the solid green checkmarks) before moving the folder to prevent any accidental sync conflicts or data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the OneDrive Folder Path by Unlinking and Relinking

You can change the sync location by unlinking your current OneDrive account, physically moving your OneDrive folder to the new location, and then selecting that new path when signing back in.

OneDrive does not offer a direct 'change folder path' button in its settings. Instead, you must temporarily disconnect your account, move the files using your system's file explorer, and then tell OneDrive where you moved them during the reconnection process.

Unlink your computer from OneDrive

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows taskbar or Mac menu bar. Click the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, select 'Settings', navigate to the 'Account' tab, and click 'Unlink this PC' (or 'Unlink this Mac').

Move the existing OneDrive folder

Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). Navigate to your current OneDrive folder (usually located in your user profile). Copy or cut the entire 'OneDrive' folder, navigate to your desired new drive or location, and paste it there.

Relink and choose the new path

Open the OneDrive app and sign in with your Microsoft account. On the 'Your OneDrive folder' screen during setup, click the 'Change location' link. Select the new folder you just pasted in the previous step, and confirm that you want to use this location.

Using Existing Folders: When you select the new location, OneDrive will prompt you that files already exist in this folder. Click 'Use this folder' to merge and verify the existing files rather than downloading them all over again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my OneDrive folder location delete my files?

No, changing the folder location does not delete your cloud files. As long as you move the existing folder or allow OneDrive to sync to the new location, your data remains safely stored in your Microsoft account.

Can I choose an external hard drive for my OneDrive folder?

Yes, but it is generally recommended to use an internal drive. If you use an external drive, it must be formatted correctly (NTFS for Windows or APFS for Mac) and must always be connected to your computer when OneDrive is running to prevent synchronization errors.

Why is the 'Change location' option missing when I sign back in?

This usually happens if you did not properly unlink the previous account before signing back in. Ensure you fully click 'Unlink this PC' in the OneDrive settings menu before attempting to set a new folder path.

Document & File Issues