Can I Use OneDrive for Backup Only?

Can I use OneDrive just for backup? I want to use OneDrive in another way. I want it to periodically back up the files on my laptop. In other words, I don't want to have to rely on an internet connection to open a file. And I don't want every file that I saved to be immediately uploaded to the OneDrive cloud. I want this upload to be done e.g. once every 24 hours. Is it possible to use OneDrive for backup only?

- Case from answers.microsoft.com

OneDrive Backup and Sync

OneDrive backup and sync generally refers to backing up local folders and files, like Documents, Pictures, and Desktop, on your computer with OneDrive and syncing OneDrive files to the local computer.

OneDrive backup vs. sync, which is better? OneDrive backup enables you to store important documents on OneDrive, and share files with coworkers easily. OneDrive sync allows you to sync cloud files to the OneDrive folder on your laptop and makes files accessible without an Internet connection.

Some users might want to use OneDrive as a backup only with a regular backup frequency. How can I use OneDrive for periodic backup only? Given that, we will list 2 proven ways to use OneDrive for file backups only.

How to Use OneDrive for Backup Only

We list 2 methods to use OneDrive as a backup utility for local files only in this chapter. One is with the help of the OneDrive app, which allows you to backup specific folders, like Desktop, Pictures, to OneDrive. If you want to backup any folder to OneDrive on a customized schedule, you need to get help from third-party tools or services.

Way 1. Enable OneDrive for Backup with OneDrive Desktop App

OneDrive is a cloud storage solution launched by Microsoft. It is preinstalled on Windows 10 and Windows 11. You can follow the guide below to learn how to get OneDrive backup specific folders.

Step 1. Download and install the OneDrive app on your PC. Windows 10/11 users run the OneDrive app directly since it has been baked into them. And log into it with your OneDrive account.

Step 2. Click on Settings, select Update & Security, hit the Backup button, and tap on Back up files under the Back up files to OneDrive section.

Step 3. On the fly-out Manage folder backup screen, tick the folders that you intend to backup, and tap on Start Backup. Then, these select folders will be uploaded to OneDrive automatically.

Way 2. Use OneDrive for Backup Only via CBackup

You can simply use OneDrive as backup software with a third-party service that entitles you to backup files to OneDrive. Our recommendation is CBackup because of its high convenience. It makes OneDrive automatic backups swiftly and painlessly.

Let's have a look at its powerful features for backing up files:

☛ Backup computer files to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and other popular cloud storage services.

☛ Backup cloud files between cloud storage solutions, e.g. migrating Dropbox data to OneDrive, etc.

☛ File filters for excluding or including certain files when uploading data.

☛ Daily/weekly/monthly automatic file backup modes.

☛ Email notifications for backup tasks.

Simply download the CBackup desktop app and follow the below guide to perform OneDrive for only file backups easily.

Step 1. Register an account for CBackup on its website. Launch and log in to the CBackup desktop application on your computer.

Step 2. Select Storage, pick OneDrive, and click Authorize Now, and warrant CBackup to access your OneDrive storage.

Step 3. After finishing the authorization, switch to the Backup section. Press the Backup PC to Public Cloud button.

Step 4. Rename the task name and select the files/folders you want to backup to OneDrive. Then, select OneDrive as the destination.

✎Tip: If you want to back up data on a schedule, click Settings in the lower-right corner, and pick a suitable backup mode under the Scheduler tab. For instance, you could schedule a weekly backup to Microsoft OneDrive by selecting the Weekly option.  You can also set up notifying emails and filtering files easily here.

Step 5. Click Start Backup to backup files to OneDrive.

Switch to A Professional Backup Service - CBackup

Though you can use OneDrive as a backup tool to keep files, it is not a professional backup tool. The free online cloud backup service - CBackup is such a tool. In addition to backing up files to mainstream cloud storage providers, CBackup supports you to back up data to its own cloud storage space, CBackup Cloud.

CBackup Cloud comes with 5GB of free backup space, and it is scalable for bigger backup storage space at reasonable prices. For example, you can upgrade to up to 5 TB of storage space at an efficient price. It is secure to store items in CBackup Cloud since it values customer privacy and complies with GDPR.

Step 1. Run the CBackup software on your computer.

Step 2. Likewise, select Backup and click on Backup PC to CBackup Cloud to create a backup task.

Step 3. Select the target documents. And tap on Start Backup to save stuff to CBackup Cloud.

Frequently Asked Questions about Using OneDrive for Backup

#1. Can You Backup to OneDrive without Syncing?

Yes, you can backup to OneDrive without syncing to computer with a professional cloud backup service like CBackup. Its Backup feature allows you to backup to OneDrive and restore files from OneDrive when needed. It also offers a Sync function that performs one way sync from computer to OneDrive, helping you to sync files to OneDrive without syncing locally.

#2. Do I Need to Backup OneDrive?

Although OneDrive offers many security parameters to protect data, the possibility of a breach is always present. Therefore, it is necessary to back up OneDrive files for risk protection. In addition to backing up files to OneDrive, you can also use CBackup to backup OneDrive to Google Drive, Dropbox, FTP/SFTP, or another OneDrive account with ease.

Conclusion

Using OneDrive for backup only is not a problem with the above two methods. If you are looking for an advanced and professional tool to backup valuable items, you can take CBackup into account. It makes backup files to cloud drives, including OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox, an easy task. And it provides CBackup Cloud with huge backup space for keeping files. You can download it and have a try.