[2 Ways] How to Auto Sync Folder to OneDrive in Windows

How to auto sync folders to OneDrive from C drive or other drives? We offer you 2 ways to ensure your data are effortlessly auto-synchronized to OneDrive. Please read on to find a suitable way!

By @Jonna Last Updated July 5, 2024

Can I automatically sync folders to OneDrive?

 

Does anyone have a smooth auto-sync setup to OneDrive? I'm tired of manually dragging files. Any ways to automate this process and keep my folders seamlessly synced?

- User case from Reddit.com

OneDrive is a cloud storage service provided by Microsoft that allows users to store files and folders in the cloud. Of course, you can choose to auto sync folders to OneDrive. The post will show you 2 different ways to set up OneDrive automatic sync. Please read on!

Advantages of auto syncing folders to OneDrive

Auto syncing folders to OneDrive can offer several advantages, depending on your needs. Here are some of the key advantages:

  • Security and recovery: OneDrive auto sync folder simplifies the process of keeping your files consistently updated across all your devices and provides a level of security against data loss. In the event of a device failure or loss, your data remains accessible and recoverable from the cloud.
  • Ease of sharing: Auto syncing makes it easy to share files and folders. Once your files are synced to OneDrive, you can easily share them with others by giving them links or inviting them to collaborate.
  • Version Control: When you use automatic sync, it saves each version of a file. This means if something goes wrong or if there are accidental changes or data problems,you can restore previous version in OneDrive. ​​​

What is the default folder synchronized with OneDrive?

Having explored the advantages of auto syncing files to OneDrive and understanding that it's indeed possible, let's now shift our focus to the common question: What does OneDrive sync by default?

Defaultedly, Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders in your PC are synchronized with OneDrive. At the same time, when you set up the OneDrive app on your computer, it will create a OneDrive folder, which is where you can store and access your files that are synchronized with the cloud. On Windows, the default location for the OneDrive folder is typically:

  • C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive

You can change the location of your OneDrive folder, like moving OneDrive folder to another drive from C drive, during the setup process or change it later in the OneDrive settings. By default, every folder, subfolder, and file located in the OneDrive folder will automatically be synchronized with the cloud.

Traditional ways to auto sync folders to OneDrive

How to auto sync any folder to OneDrive in Windows 10 or other Windows operating systems. Until now, we've already explored the default folders synchronized with OneDrive. We know that OneDrive default folders on your computer will sync by themselves once you've set it up with the files in your OneDrive account.

From your computer, you can automatically sync documents folder to OneDrive or other folders by following the guide below:

1. Run OneDrive on your PC, click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar, and sign in to its desktop app.

2. Click the gear icon on the right top > select Settings from the dropdown menu.

3. Go the Sync and backup tab > Manage backup.

4. You can choose which folder you need to backup to OneDrive, turn on the switch behind the folder, and then click Save changes on the bottom.

♥ Tip: You may have noticed that only Documents, Pictures, Desktop, Music, and Videos folder can auto sync to OneDrive. If you want auto sync more folders from your PC to OneDrive, you may favor the method in the following part. So keep reading!

Better way to auto sync folders to OneDrive

Apart from the method we discussed earlier, which is complicated because you need to select folders each time from different places. And sometimes, it is difficult to find specific folders in File Explorer, so let's look at another easy and quick way to automatically sync folders with OneDrive using CBackup.

It is a cloud sync service that supports you to auto sync all of your files/folders, hard drives, and even whole PC to OneDrive in different modes like One time only, Daily, Weekly, and Monthly. Also, you can use this tool to sync external hard drive to OneDrive automatically. What's more, it offers many useful features like combining cloud storage, File Filter, Email Notification, etc.

Now, let's see how easy it is to use CBackup to make sure your files are safely and smoothly synced in OneDrive automatically.

1. Download and launch CBackup on your PC. Then sign up for a new account and sign in to its desktop app.

Download CBackupWin 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
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2. Navigate to the left-hand menu and click on Storage > select OneDrive > click Authorize Now, granting CBackup the power to access your OneDrive account.

♥ Tip: CBackup doesn't just work with OneDrive - it can also help you easily upload files to Google Drive or Dropbox. Just go to Storage, click on + Add Cloud, and connect all your clouds.

3. Shift your focus to the Sync section > opt for Sync PC to Public Cloud.

♥ Tip: Also, with its Backup feature, you use it to backup files or folders to OneDrive with ease to avoid data loss or corruption.

4. Select the specific folders or files on your hard drives you want to sync. After that, pick a folder in OneDrive as your target to keep the synchronized data.

5. Click on Settings. In the Scheduler tab, set up when you want the sync to happen. Once you've set everything up the way you like, click Start Sync, and then CBackup will automatically sync local folders to OneDrive.

♥ Tip: If you don't have enough OneDrive storage space to store your data, you can also use this tool to combine multiple cloud drives to get unlimited OneDrive storage for free.

Final words

In conclusion, auto syncing folders to OneDrive in Windows not only simplifies your file management but also enhances file collaboration. If you want to automatically sync folders to OneDrive flexibly, CBackup is the best solution. By using this tool, you can ensure that your important files are available across all your devices without worrying about manually transferring files.

Moreover, it can fulfill your different data backup needs with features like PC backup, cloud-to-cloud backup, and combination of cloud storage.