How to Move Windows Known Folders to OneDrive for Citrix Users
Question details
Migrate redirected Documents, Desktop, and Pictures folders from a legacy network share to users' OneDrive for Business accounts within a Citrix VDA deployment.
- Product
- OneDrive for Business
- Device & OS
- Windows Server 2022
- Scenario
- IT administrators need to redirect Windows Known Folders to OneDrive using Group Policy for Citrix users.
- Observed behavior
- User profile folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures) must be seamlessly transitioned to OneDrive for Business without disrupting the Citrix environment.
Ensure you have downloaded the latest OneDrive administrative templates (ADMX/ADML) and thoroughly test the folder migration policies with a small pilot group before organization-wide deployment.
Deploy Known Folder Move (KFM) via Group Policy
Use OneDrive Administrative Templates to configure Known Folder Move, which automates the redirection of Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to OneDrive.
While Microsoft documentation frequently references Windows 10, the same Group Policy Object (GPO) principles for Known Folder Move (KFM) apply to Windows Server 2022 in Citrix environments.
Before deploying KFM, ensure any legacy folder redirection policies pointing to network shares are set to redirect folders back to the local user profile when removed, preventing conflicts with OneDrive.
Copy the latest OneDrive ADMX and ADML files to the PolicyDefinitions folder in your domain's Central Store.
Open Group Policy Management, create or edit a GPO applied to your Citrix VDA servers or user OU, and navigate to Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > OneDrive.
Locate and enable the policy 'Silently move Windows known folders to OneDrive'. You will need to enter your organization's Microsoft Entra Tenant ID.
If silent redirection is not desired, enable 'Prompt users to move Windows known folders to OneDrive' instead.
Run 'gpupdate /force' on a test Citrix session and confirm that the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders are syncing directly to the user's OneDrive account.
Deploy WPS Office as a Lightweight Alternative for Virtual Environments
While optimizing user profiles and storage with OneDrive, consider adopting WPS Office. Its low resource utilization makes it an ideal, cost-effective productivity suite for Citrix and Windows Server 2022 deployments.
- 1. Download the Installer: Obtain the latest WPS Office enterprise or free installer from the official website.
- 2. Deploy via GPO or SCCM: Distribute the installation package across your Citrix Virtual Delivery Agents using your preferred software deployment tool.
- 3. Set Default Applications: Configure Windows Server 2022 default file associations so WPS Office automatically handles all standard document formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Known Folder Move (KFM) be used on Windows Server 2022?
Yes, although Microsoft documentation focuses heavily on Windows 10/11, the underlying KFM policies function on Windows Server 2022 when the OneDrive sync app is properly installed and configured.
How do I handle existing Network Share Folder Redirection?
You must gracefully remove the old folder redirection GPO. Ensure the policy is set to 'Redirect the folder back to the local userprofile location when policy is removed' before applying the new OneDrive KFM policies.
Where can I find the Tenant ID for the OneDrive KFM policy?
Your Microsoft Entra Tenant ID (formerly Azure AD Directory ID) can be found in the Azure Portal or the Microsoft 365 Admin Center under the Identity or Entra ID overview page.
Is the OneDrive Sync App supported in Citrix environments?
Yes, Microsoft supports the OneDrive sync app in virtual desktop environments like Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, provided you install it per-machine and use compatible profile management tools like FSLogix.
