OneDrive File Issues

Use OneDrive PC Folder Backup with a Shared Folder

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to configure OneDrive PC Folder Backup to sync local desktop files directly to a shared folder owned by another account.

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to back up local computer folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures) directly to a specific shared cloud directory instead of the personal OneDrive root.
Observed behavior: OneDrive's built-in PC Folder Backup restricts synchronization exclusively to the user's personal OneDrive account and does not support redirecting the backup destination to a shared folder.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary edit permissions for the shared folder in your OneDrive account and verify that you have sufficient cloud storage space available before manually moving your files.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Move Files to the Shared Folder

Since automated PC Folder Backup cannot target a shared folder, you must manually transfer or upload your files to the shared directory to ensure they are accessible to the folder owner.

OneDrive PC Folder Backup is strictly designed to synchronize your local Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to your personal OneDrive root directory. It cannot be redirected to a folder shared by another account.

To achieve the goal of storing files in that shared folder, you must bypass the automated backup feature and manually place the required files directly into the shared directory.

Access the Shared Folder

Open your OneDrive directory using File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and locate the shared folder you intend to use. Alternatively, log into OneDrive on the web and navigate to the 'Shared' section.

Transfer Your Local Files

Navigate to your local Desktop, Documents, or Pictures folders. Select the files or subfolders you want to share, and drag them directly into the shared folder within your OneDrive directory.

Allow Files to Sync

Wait for the OneDrive desktop client to process and sync the newly added files. Once the sync icons display a green checkmark, the files are successfully uploaded and accessible to the shared folder's owner.

OneDrive Backup Nature: Keep in mind that OneDrive is not a traditional continuous backup system but rather a default storage location. Any new files created on your local Desktop will not automatically go to the shared folder; you must save them directly to the shared folder to keep them synced with the other account.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the default OneDrive backup folder location?

No, the built-in PC Folder Backup feature strictly uses the default OneDrive root directory for backing up Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. You cannot map it to custom paths or shared folders.

Why are my desktop files saving to OneDrive instead of my local hard drive?

When OneDrive PC Folder Backup is enabled, it automatically makes OneDrive the default storage location for your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, syncing them to the cloud rather than keeping them solely local.

How do I properly share a OneDrive folder with another account?

Right-click the folder within your OneDrive directory, select 'Share', enter the email address of the recipient, specify whether they can view or edit the files, and click 'Send' to dispatch the invitation.

Document & File Issues