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How to Sync Multiple Computers to Separate OneDrive Folders
Question details
The user wants to set up multiple laptops to back up and sync their specific files to OneDrive without merging or duplicating the default Desktop, Documents, and other libraries across all devices.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up file synchronization for multiple computers using a single OneDrive account.
- Observed behavior
- By default, OneDrive often merges Desktop, Documents, and other system libraries, causing files from one computer to automatically appear on all other synced computers.
Ensure you are logged into the same OneDrive account on all your computers. Before proceeding, open OneDrive settings and disable the 'PC Folder Backup' feature for Desktop, Documents, and Pictures if you do not want them automatically merged across your devices.
Use Custom Folders and Adjust OneDrive Sync Settings
Create custom device-specific folders outside the default Windows libraries, and use the 'Choose folders' feature to prevent them from downloading to your other computers.
To prevent OneDrive from treating all your computers as a single device, you need to stop it from backing up the default system libraries. Instead, you can manually organize your files into dedicated folders for each computer directly within the main OneDrive directory.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, click the gear icon to open Settings, navigate to the 'Sync and backup' tab, and click 'Manage backup'. Toggle off the backup for Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to stop automatic merging.
Open your OneDrive folder in File Explorer. Manually create separate folders for each device, such as 'Laptop A Files' and 'Laptop B Files'.
Relocate the files you want to sync from your default Windows libraries into these newly created custom folders.
On each computer, go back to OneDrive Settings, click 'Account', and select 'Choose folders'. Uncheck the custom folders belonging to your other computers so they do not download locally to the current machine.
In the OneDrive settings, ensure that 'Files On-Demand' is enabled. This ensures that any unselected or online-only folders do not consume storage space on your local hard drive.
Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
If managing Microsoft cloud services across multiple devices gets overly complicated, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible office suite with built-in WPS Cloud storage, making it easy to save, organize, and access your files securely without confusing sync overlaps.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 3. Sign in for Cloud Storage: Launch WPS Office and log in with your email or Google account to activate your free WPS Cloud space.
- 4. Save and Sync Documents: Open or create a document, click 'Save As', and choose WPS Cloud to safely store it online, isolating it from localized system sync issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Desktop files showing up on both of my laptops?
This happens because OneDrive's 'PC Folder Backup' feature is likely enabled on both computers. It merges the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders into the cloud. To separate them, you need to turn off this backup feature in OneDrive settings on both devices.
What does the Files On-Demand feature do in OneDrive?
Files On-Demand allows you to see all your files in the OneDrive folder without having to download them to your local hard drive. Files stored as 'online-only' take up virtually zero space on your computer until you open them or choose to keep them locally.
Can I rename my computer's default Desktop folder to sync it separately?
No, renaming default Windows library folders like Desktop or Documents can cause system errors. It is better to create custom folders directly within the main OneDrive directory for each computer and move your specific files there.
Will unchecking a folder in 'Choose folders' delete it from OneDrive?
No, unchecking a folder in the 'Choose folders' menu only hides it in File Explorer and removes the local copy from that specific computer. The files remain safe online in your OneDrive account and can still be accessed via a web browser or from your other synced devices.
