OneDrive File Issues

How to Sync OneDrive Files Between Two Computers for Offline Use

Steven Parker Oct 23, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to keep a documents folder identical on an office computer and a laptop, edit files offline, and have changes automatically sync when reconnected to the internet.

How to Sync OneDrive Files Between Two Computers for Offline Use

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Syncing documents across multiple computers for seamless offline and online editing.
Observed behavior: Files need to be accessible for offline editing and must automatically synchronize to the cloud and across devices once an internet connection is established.

Before you start

Ensure that you are logged into the same Microsoft account on both computers and that the OneDrive desktop client is successfully installed and running on each device.

Solution 1Recommended

Set Up OneDrive Sync Client and Enable Offline Access

Use the OneDrive desktop application and the 'Always keep on this device' feature to ensure files are downloaded for offline editing and sync automatically when reconnected.

To synchronize files properly, they must be stored inside the dedicated OneDrive folder rather than independent local folders on your computer. Relying solely on local folders will prevent cross-device synchronization.

Move files to the OneDrive folder

Open File Explorer on your primary computer, locate your 'Documents' folder, and drag the files you want to sync into the local OneDrive folder.

Sign in to OneDrive on both computers

Ensure the OneDrive desktop app is running on both your office computer and your laptop. Sign in using the exact same Microsoft account credentials.

Mark files for offline use

On your laptop, navigate to the OneDrive folder in File Explorer. Right-click the files or folders you need for offline editing and select 'Always keep on this device'. A solid green circle with a checkmark will appear to indicate the file is downloaded locally.

Edit offline and auto-sync

You can now open and edit these files without an internet connection. Once your laptop reconnects to the internet, OneDrive will automatically detect the changes, upload them to the cloud, and sync them to your office computer.

Avoid Local-Only Directories: Files saved strictly in local PC directories (like a non-synced Desktop or Documents folder) will not automatically transfer. Always work directly from the OneDrive directory.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Synced Documents Effortlessly with WPS Office

Looking for a fast and reliable suite to edit your synced documents? WPS Office is a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office that perfectly handles Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. It works seamlessly with your local OneDrive folders, allowing you to edit offline and sync automatically without the burden of heavy subscription fees.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the quick installation.
2. Open Your Synced Folder: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and navigate to your local OneDrive folder where your synced documents are stored.
3. Edit and Auto-Save: Edit your documents offline. When you save, changes are recorded locally and OneDrive will automatically sync them once you are back online.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight architecture ensures fast loading and smooth editing, even offline.Built-in WPS Cloud offers an additional, secure way to sync documents across multiple devices.Familiar user interface requires no learning curve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my OneDrive files not syncing to the other computer?

This usually happens if the files are saved in a local folder rather than the designated OneDrive folder, or if the OneDrive client is paused or not running. Ensure both computers are logged into the same account and actively connected to the internet.

What does 'Files On-Demand' do in OneDrive?

Files On-Demand allows you to view all your cloud files in File Explorer without actually downloading them to your hard drive. These files remain online-only (taking up zero disk space) until you open them or explicitly mark them as 'Always keep on this device' for offline access.

Can I edit a synced OneDrive document without an internet connection?

Yes, provided the file has been fully downloaded to your device beforehand. By right-clicking the file and selecting 'Always keep on this device', you can edit it offline. OneDrive will automatically upload your changes once the internet connection is restored.

Document & File Issues