How to Store and Sync OneDrive Files on an SD Card
Question details
The user wants to change their local OneDrive sync directory to a removable SD card to save space, but is encountering file system compatibility issues.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Freeing up space on the primary C: drive by relocating the OneDrive synchronization folder to a secondary SD card.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive cannot utilize the SD card as a sync location because the card is currently formatted as exFAT, whereas OneDrive requires an NTFS file system.
Copy all existing files from your SD card to your computer's local hard drive or another external storage device, as you will need to format the SD card which will erase all current data.
Format SD Card to NTFS and Change OneDrive Location
You must format your SD card to the NTFS file system before OneDrive will accept it as a valid synchronization location. Once formatted, you can unlink and reconnect your account to set the new path.
OneDrive requires the NTFS file system on Windows to manage file synchronization properly. Removable media formatted as exFAT or FAT32 are not officially supported for the main OneDrive folder.
Since converting from exFAT to NTFS requires reformatting the drive, it is crucial to understand that all data on the SD card will be wiped during this process.
Open File Explorer, locate your SD card under 'This PC', right-click on it, and select 'Format'. Choose 'NTFS' from the File system dropdown menu and click 'Start'.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar notifications area. Click the gear icon (Help & Settings), navigate to 'Settings' > 'Account', and click the 'Unlink this PC' link.
The OneDrive setup screen will appear. Enter your email and sign in. When you reach the 'Your OneDrive folder' screen, click the 'Change location' link and navigate to your newly formatted SD card.
Click 'Select Folder' and proceed with the rest of the setup wizard. OneDrive will now begin syncing your cloud files directly to the SD card.
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- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free software for your operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an exFAT SD card for my OneDrive folder?
No, modern desktop versions of OneDrive require the synchronization drive to be formatted using the NTFS file system. exFAT and FAT32 are not supported for the core OneDrive sync folder.
How do I convert exFAT to NTFS without losing data?
You cannot directly convert exFAT to NTFS without reformatting the drive. You must temporarily copy your data to another drive, format the SD card to NTFS via File Explorer, and then copy the data back.
Will OneDrive restore my folder structure if I move it to a formatted SD card?
Yes, once you link your account and choose the SD card as the new location, OneDrive will recreate your exact folder hierarchy and download the files according to your synchronization settings.
Why do I see duplicate local files on my C drive and SD card?
If your SD card is not officially set as the OneDrive sync location, manually saving files to the SD card and uploading them to the cloud may cause OneDrive to download a duplicate copy into the default C: drive sync folder.
