OneDrive File Issues

How to Sync Files on Different Drives Using OneDrive

WPS Content Manager Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to sync files using OneDrive when the files are stored on different local drives, such as syncing files from a D: drive while OneDrive is installed on the C: drive.

How to Sync Files on Different Drives Using OneDrive

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to synchronize folders across multiple computers where files and programs are stored on different drive partitions (e.g., C: drive on one PC and D: drive on another).
Observed behavior: OneDrive only synchronizes files placed directly inside its designated folder on the C: drive and does not automatically detect or sync arbitrary folders on other drives. Additionally, installed applications do not sync across computers.

Before you start

Before modifying your OneDrive settings or moving folders, ensure that all current file sync operations are 100% complete to prevent data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the OneDrive Folder Location to the D: Drive

This is the best method if you want OneDrive to natively sync files stored on your secondary drive. By relocating the main OneDrive folder, any files saved there will automatically sync to the cloud.

By product design, OneDrive only syncs files located within its dedicated folder path. To sync files on a different drive, you must change the default location of the OneDrive folder itself.

Unlink your current PC

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, click the gear icon for Help & Settings, and select Settings. Under the Account tab, click 'Unlink this PC' and confirm.

Move the OneDrive folder

Open File Explorer and navigate to your current OneDrive folder (usually C:\Users\[Username]\OneDrive). Select the folder, click 'Cut', navigate to your D: drive, and click 'Paste' to move the entire folder over.

Set up OneDrive in the new location

Open the OneDrive app and sign back in. When you reach the 'Your OneDrive folder' screen, click 'Change location'. Select the newly moved OneDrive folder on your D: drive, then click 'Use this folder' and finish the setup.

Change the OneDrive Folder Location to the D: Drive

PC Folder Backup: Once relocated, you can enable PC Folder Backup in OneDrive settings to ensure your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders automatically route to your D: drive OneDrive.

Solution 2

Manually Move Files into the Existing OneDrive Folder

If you prefer to keep OneDrive installed on your C: drive but need to sync specific files from other drives, you must manually transfer them into the designated sync folder.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sync folders on my D: drive without moving them into the OneDrive folder?

By default, OneDrive only syncs files located inside its dedicated folder. While advanced users sometimes use symbolic links (symlinks) via the command prompt to trick OneDrive into syncing external folders, Microsoft does not officially support this and recommends moving the files directly into the OneDrive directory.

Will programs installed on my C: drive sync to another computer via OneDrive?

No. OneDrive is designed to synchronize personal files, documents, and media. Installed applications, software programs, and registry files cannot be synchronized or run across different computers via OneDrive. Software must be manually installed on each individual machine.

How do I fix OneDrive if it stops syncing after moving it to another drive?

If syncing pauses or fails after moving the folder, ensure the secondary drive is permanently connected (internal drives are best). Then, try unlinking your account in OneDrive settings, restarting your PC, and signing back in to re-establish the connection to the new folder location.

Document & File Issues