OneDrive File Issues

How to Show OneDrive Desktop Files on Another Windows PC

WPS Content Manager Oct 8, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to display and access files and folders from one Windows desktop on another computer using Microsoft OneDrive.

How to Show OneDrive Desktop Files on Another Windows PC

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Synchronizing or accessing desktop files across multiple Windows computers to maintain workflow continuity.
Observed behavior: The user wants files from one desktop to be accessible on a second PC, either as full synchronized copies or quick-access shortcuts.

Before you start

Before proceeding, ensure that both Windows PCs are connected to the internet and signed into the exact same Microsoft account used for your OneDrive storage.

Solution 1Recommended

Sync Full Copies via the OneDrive Folder

Use this method if you need offline access to the actual files and folders on your second computer.

By moving your files directly into the OneDrive folder, you ensure that physical copies of your data are continuously synchronized across all devices connected to that Microsoft account.

Move Files to OneDrive

On your primary PC, open File Explorer and drag your desired desktop files or folders into the local OneDrive directory.

Sign In on the Second PC

Boot up your second Windows 11 PC, launch the OneDrive app from the taskbar, and sign in with the same Microsoft account credentials.

Access Synced Files

Open the OneDrive folder on your second PC via File Explorer. The files will appear and download, giving you full synchronized copies locally.

Sync Full Copies via the OneDrive Folder

Storage Space Consideration: Full synchronization will consume local hard drive space on both computers. Ensure your second PC has adequate storage capacity.

Solution 2

Create Desktop Shortcuts for Synced Files

This approach is ideal if you want quick access to your files from the desktop without duplicating storage on the second PC.

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Easily Edit OneDrive Documents with WPS Office

Once your desktop files are synced via OneDrive, you need a reliable office suite to view and edit them. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office that effortlessly handles documents synced across your PCs without heavy subscription fees.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your Windows PC.
2. Open Synced Document: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open', and navigate to your local OneDrive folder.
3. Edit and Save: Edit your document normally. When you click save, your changes will automatically sync back to OneDrive.

Seamlessly open and edit documents directly from your local OneDrive folder100% format compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint filesLightweight installation that runs smoothly on any Windows 11 PCFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-learn interface

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my desktop files not syncing to my other Windows PC automatically?

By default, only files placed manually inside the OneDrive folder are synced. To sync your entire desktop automatically, you must enable the 'PC Folder Backup' feature for the Desktop folder within your OneDrive settings on both computers.

Should I choose full file synchronization or just desktop shortcuts?

If you need to edit files without an active internet connection or work with large files frequently, full synchronization is better. If you want to save hard drive space on the second PC and only need quick access while online, creating shortcuts is highly recommended.

Will deleting a desktop shortcut delete the actual file from OneDrive?

No, deleting a shortcut created via the 'Send to > Desktop' method only removes the shortcut icon from your local desktop screen. The original file remains safely stored and untouched in your OneDrive folder.

Document & File Issues