OneDrive File Issues

How to Sync OneDrive Files and Folders with Your Windows Desktop

Camila Milosovich Sep 27, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to synchronize their Windows desktop contents across multiple devices using OneDrive without creating duplicate copies of their files.

How to Sync OneDrive Files and Folders with Your Desktop

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Setting up cloud synchronization for local desktop files to ensure they are backed up and accessible from any linked device.
Observed behavior: Files stored on the local desktop automatically sync with OneDrive and appear on other synchronized devices.

Before you start

Ensure that the Microsoft OneDrive application is installed, running in your system tray, and properly signed in to your Microsoft account before making folder changes.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the Desktop Folder Location to OneDrive

Manually move your Windows Desktop folder into your OneDrive directory to automatically sync all desktop files without duplicates.

By modifying the system properties of your Desktop folder, you instruct Windows to treat a folder inside OneDrive as your actual desktop. This ensures native synchronization.

Locate your current Desktop folder

Open File Explorer and navigate to your user profile folder, typically located at C:\Users\[YourUsername].

Open folder properties

Right-click on the 'Desktop' folder and select 'Properties' from the context menu.

Move the folder location

Navigate to the 'Location' tab at the top of the Properties window and click the 'Move...' button.

Select the OneDrive destination

Browse to your OneDrive folder, create a new folder named 'Desktop' inside it if one doesn't exist, select it, and click 'Select Folder'.

Apply and confirm

Click 'Apply'. Windows will prompt you asking if you want to move all files from the old location to the new one. Click 'Yes' to complete the synchronization setup.

Change the Desktop Folder Location to OneDrive

Seamless Sync: Once moved, any file you save directly to your computer's desktop will automatically upload and sync via OneDrive.

Solution 2

Use OneDrive PC Folder Backup feature

Use the automated backup feature built directly into the OneDrive application settings to sync your Desktop.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Your Synced Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

Once your desktop files are successfully syncing with OneDrive, you need a reliable office suite to manage your documents. WPS Office is a lightweight, feature-rich alternative that easily handles files from local drives and cloud storage alike.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installer and complete the setup on your Windows PC.
2. Open your synced files: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and navigate to your OneDrive Desktop folder to access your synced documents.
3. Edit and Auto-save: Make your edits and hit Save. Because the file is located in your synced Desktop folder, OneDrive will automatically upload the newest version.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTXSeamlessly open and edit documents synced directly from your OneDrive Desktop folderAll-in-one suite with integrated Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF toolsFree and incredibly lightweight, ensuring fast launch times even on older PCs

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop syncing my desktop to OneDrive later if I change my mind?

Yes. You can revert this by right-clicking your Desktop folder in File Explorer, selecting Properties, going to the Location tab, and clicking 'Restore Default'. Alternatively, turn off the Desktop backup in your OneDrive Settings under 'Manage back up'.

Will moving the Desktop folder delete my existing shortcuts and files?

No, it will not delete them. When you change the location and click Apply, Windows will ask if you want to move your existing files to the new folder. Always select 'Yes' to ensure all your current desktop items are safely transferred and synced.

Why are there green checkmarks or cloud icons on my desktop files now?

These icons indicate the OneDrive sync status of your files. A blue cloud means the file is available online-only (saving hard drive space), a green checkmark means it is available locally on your device, and solid green means it is set to 'Always keep on this device'.

Document & File Issues