How to Incrementally Back Up OneDrive Files to a Portable SSD
Question details
The user needs to perform an incremental backup of OneDrive files to a portable SSD, but standard backup applications are failing to copy the actual file data.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to create an incremental backup of a local OneDrive sync folder to an external portable SSD.
- Observed behavior
- The backup application copies online-only placeholder files (zero bytes or shortcut links) instead of the full cloud content, resulting in an apparently empty backup folder on the portable SSD.
Ensure your portable SSD has sufficient free storage space to accommodate all the files you intend to download from OneDrive, and maintain a stable internet connection during the initial sync.
Download OneDrive Files Locally Before Backing Up
The most reliable method for standard backup software to work is to force OneDrive to download the actual files to your local drive before initiating the backup.
By default, Windows uses 'Files On-Demand' for OneDrive, meaning files are stored in the cloud and only exist as placeholder icons on your computer. Standard backup software cannot read the contents of these placeholders.
Open File Explorer and navigate to your local OneDrive directory.
Highlight all the files and folders you want to incrementally back up to your portable SSD.
Right-click the selected items and choose 'Always keep on this device' from the context menu.
Wait for the cloud status icons next to your files to change into a solid green circle with a white checkmark, indicating the full files are now stored locally.
Open your preferred standard backup software, select these local folders as the source, set your portable SSD as the destination, and run the incremental backup.
Use Cloud-Aware Backup Software
Bypass the need to manually download files by utilizing specialized backup applications designed to integrate directly with cloud storage APIs.
Experience Seamless Document Management with WPS Office
If you are managing numerous documents and want a hassle-free, lightweight office suite that avoids complicated local-cloud sync errors, WPS Office is an excellent alternative. It offers highly integrated built-in cloud storage and perfect compatibility with standard office file formats.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Suite: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office.
- 3. Save to Cloud or SSD: Open WPS Office and easily choose to save your documents directly to the integrated WPS Cloud or locally to your portable SSD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my backed-up OneDrive files showing zero bytes?
This occurs because standard backup software copies the online-only placeholder files (reparse points) instead of the actual data. The files must be downloaded locally first before a standard tool can back up their contents.
What does 'Always keep on this device' mean in OneDrive?
This setting forces OneDrive to download the file from the cloud to your computer's hard drive and keeps it there permanently. This ensures the file is always available offline and is fully readable by local backup tools.
Can I back up directly from the OneDrive cloud to an external SSD?
Yes, but you cannot use basic drag-and-drop or standard file-copying tools if the files aren't stored locally. You need specialized third-party backup software that supports cloud-to-local backups via the official OneDrive API.
Will an incremental backup copy everything again?
No, an incremental backup only copies files that have been added or modified since the last backup operation. This significantly saves time and storage space on your portable SSD.
