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How to Choose Which OneDrive Folders Sync to Your Computer
Question details
The user needs to select individual OneDrive folders for synchronization to save space on a computer with limited local storage, but can only find options for standard backup folders.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing local storage space by selecting specific cloud folders to sync to the desktop.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Manage Backup' feature only displays standard PC folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, etc.), and redirecting to the OneDrive website does not provide an option to choose specific sync folders.
Ensure you have the Microsoft OneDrive desktop application installed and are signed in. Folder synchronization settings must be managed directly from the desktop client, not the OneDrive website.
Select Sync Folders via OneDrive Desktop Application Settings
Use the built-in 'Choose folders' feature in the OneDrive desktop app to specify exactly which folders are kept locally on your computer.
The 'Manage Backup' option is primarily intended for backing up your computer's standard local folders to the cloud. To control which cloud folders download to your PC, you must use the specific 'Choose folders' setting in the desktop client.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your computer's system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac). Click on the gear icon (Help & Settings) and select 'Settings' from the dropdown menu.
In the Settings window, go to the 'Sync and Backup' or 'Account' tab, depending on your specific version of the OneDrive application.
Locate and click the 'Choose folders' button. A new window will appear listing all your OneDrive cloud folders.
Clear the checkboxes next to any folders you do not want to sync to your local device, then click 'OK' to save your changes.
Edit Your Synced Cloud Files with WPS Office
Need a fast, lightweight, and free office suite to open your synced OneDrive documents? WPS Office is fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats and takes up significantly less local storage space on your device.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and follow the installation prompts.
- 2. Open Synced Files: Navigate to your local OneDrive folder and double-click any document, spreadsheet, or presentation to open it instantly in WPS Office.
- 3. Save and Sync: Any edits you make and save in WPS Office will automatically sync back to your OneDrive cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I find the 'Choose folders' option on the OneDrive website?
Folder synchronization dictates what is stored physically on your specific local device. Therefore, these settings are exclusively managed within the OneDrive desktop application, not the web interface.
What happens to the folders I uncheck in the sync settings?
When you uncheck a folder, it stops syncing to your computer and the local copy is removed to free up space. However, the folder and its contents remain securely stored and accessible via the OneDrive website.
What is the difference between 'Manage Backup' and 'Choose Folders'?
'Manage Backup' is designed to back up your PC's standard local folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures) to the cloud. 'Choose Folders' determines which of your existing cloud folders are downloaded and synced to your local PC.
