OneDrive: Change file library locations

OneDrive: Change file library locations

Changing the default file library locations (such as Documents, Pictures, and Desktop) to OneDrive can help ensure your files are backed up and accessible across devices. Here’s how you can do it on Windows and macOS:

Windows

  1. Set Up OneDrive:
    1. If you haven’t already, set up OneDrive by opening the OneDrive application and signing in with your Microsoft account.
    2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
  2. Move Default Folders to OneDrive:
    1. Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder. It’s usually located at C:\Users\<YourUsername>\OneDrive.
    2. Inside the OneDrive folder, create folders for Documents, Pictures, Desktop, etc., if they don’t already exist.
  3. Change Default Locations:
    1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the default location of the folder you want to move (e.g., C:\Users\<YourUsername>\Documents).
    2. Right-click the folder (e.g., Documents) and select “Properties.”
    3. Go to the “Location” tab.
    4. Click “Move” and select the corresponding folder in OneDrive (e.g., C:\Users\<YourUsername>\OneDrive\Documents).
    5. Click “Select Folder,” then “Apply,” and confirm by clicking “Yes” when asked if you want to move all files to the new location.
    6. Repeat these steps for other folders like Pictures and Desktop.

macOS

  1. Set Up OneDrive:
    1. If you haven’t already, download and install the OneDrive application from the OneDrive website.
    2. Open OneDrive and sign in with your Microsoft account.
    3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
  2. Move Default Folders to OneDrive:
    1. Open Finder and navigate to your OneDrive folder. It’s usually located at ~/OneDrive.
    2. Inside the OneDrive folder, create folders for Documents, Pictures, Desktop, etc., if they don’t already exist.
  3. Change Default Locations:
    1. Open Finder and navigate to the default location of the folder you want to move (e.g., ~/Documents).
    2. Right-click the folder (e.g., Documents) and select “Make Alias.”
    3. Drag the original folder (e.g., Documents) into the corresponding folder in OneDrive (e.g., ~/OneDrive/Documents).
    4. Drag the alias you created to the original location (e.g., ~/Documents).
    5. Rename the alias to match the original folder name (e.g., Documents).
    6. Repeat these steps for other folders like Pictures and Desktop.

Syncing with OneDrive

After changing the default locations, OneDrive will start syncing these folders automatically. You can access and manage your files from any device where you have OneDrive installed and signed in with your Microsoft account.

    • Related Articles

    • Google Drive: Change file library locations

      Changing the default file library locations (such as Documents, Pictures, and Desktop) to Google Drive for Desktop (formerly Backup and Sync) can help ensure your files are backed up and accessible across devices. Here’s how to do it on both Windows ...
    • Change Your Default Browser

      Changing your default browser ensures that all web links open in your preferred application. Here's how to do it across major operating systems: ?️ Windows 10 & 11 Open Settings Click the Start Menu → Settings (gear icon) Or press Windows + I Go to ...
    • Change DNS Records

      Step 1: Gather New DNS Information Before updating your DNS records, get the following details from your new hosting provider: IP Address(es): For A records. Nameservers: For changing at the domain registrar. CNAME Records: If applicable, for ...
    • Access Google Drive in File Explorer

      To access Google Drive in File Explorer on Windows, you need to install and set up Google Drive for Desktop (formerly known as Google Drive File Stream). Here’s a step-by-step guide: Install Google Drive for Desktop: Download Google Drive for ...
    • Access your Office 365 account

      How To Access Your New Office 365 Email Account ACCESSING EMAIL FROM A COMPUTER Go to https://www.office.com At the login prompt type in your email address and password that was provided to you by the administrator. Once you type in your password ...