OneDrive File Issues

How to Configure OneDrive Backup Settings and Manage Custom Folders

Rana Garcia Oct 15, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to locate OneDrive backup settings, back up specific custom directories without standard synchronization, and clarify if backed-up files consume storage quotas.

How to Configure OneDrive Backup Settings and Supported Folders

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up continuous cloud backups for local files and managing specific personal folders to ensure data safety.
Observed behavior: Backup settings are unavailable on the OneDrive website, and the desktop application restricts automated backups exclusively to the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders, preventing the native backup of arbitrary custom folders.

Before you start

Ensure you have the OneDrive desktop application installed and actively running on your computer, as these backup configuration options are not accessible through the OneDrive web interface.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Native OneDrive Folder Backup

Use this method to automatically back up your computer's standard folders (Desktop, Documents, and Pictures) directly through the OneDrive desktop application.

OneDrive offers a built-in feature to protect your most important standard system folders. This feature automatically redirects your local Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders into your OneDrive folder so they are continuously synced to the cloud.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your computer's taskbar or system tray. Click on the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, and select 'Settings' from the dropdown menu.

Navigate to Sync and Backup

In the Settings window, click on the 'Sync and backup' tab located in the left-hand navigation pane.

Manage Backup Folders

Click the 'Manage backup' button. A new window will display your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. Toggle the switches for the folders you wish to back up, and click 'Save changes'.

Storage Quota Reminder: Any files located in the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders will be uploaded to the cloud and will count toward your total Microsoft OneDrive storage quota.

Solution 2

Back Up Arbitrary or Custom Folders

Since OneDrive's 'Manage Backup' tool does not support custom local directories, use this method to manually include arbitrary folders (like specific drive partitions) into your cloud storage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find Sync and Backup or Manage Backup on the OneDrive website?

The Manage Backup and Sync features are designed to handle local PC files. Therefore, these specific settings are exclusive to the OneDrive desktop application and do not exist on the web-based version of OneDrive.

Can I use the 'Choose folders' option to back up my custom local folders?

No. The 'Choose folders' option controls synchronization settings for files that are already stored in your cloud account, determining which ones download to your PC. It cannot be used to select independent local folders for backup.

Do files backed up through OneDrive count against my storage quota?

Yes. Any files backed up from your Desktop, Documents, Pictures, or custom directories copied into the OneDrive folder will consume your available Microsoft cloud storage quota.

Document & File Issues