Microsoft’s cloud storage service continues to gain users in various ways. OneDrive is included by default in the Windows installation, which in itself gives it a huge advantage over other competitors. On the other hand, its presence in Microsoft 365 makes it a must for the tens of millions of users who use the productivity suite.
Despite the fact that Microsoft uses Windows to promote all its services, often with questionable tactics, it must be said that OneDrive works really well. The potential of the new Microsoft 365 Basic offer, which includes the main Office suite applications accessible via Web and Mobile and 100 Gbytes of storage space for just 2 euros per month, makes it almost unbeatable on computer desktops.
The OneDrive folder in Windows
Microsoft recently updated the interface of the OneDrive app for Windows 10 and 11. It’s now more comprehensive, but just as easy to use, with an interface reminiscent of the General System Settings tool. Its main function is still the familiar one, saving files in the cloud and accessing them from practically any device, be it a PC or mobile, using a Microsoft ID account.
In addition to cloud storage, the client allows the files/folders of the user’s choice to be saved locally. By default, the app creates the parent location in the user’s folder. It can be changed, but it’s not just a matter of cutting and pasting, as we need to make sure the new location syncs with the cloud. We tell you how to do it:
Unlink OneDrive
- Right-click on the OneDrive icon and access the settings.
- Go to the Account section and click the “Unlink this device” link.
Don’t worry. Local files will still be on your computer, and you’ll be able to sync them again once the folder location is changed.
Move the OneDrive folder
- Open the file explorer. Select the OneDrive folder.
- In the top menu, click on Move to.
- Choose the new Location. You can use a different partition or disk. For the example we will pass the folder from C: to D:
- Windows will move the OneDrive folder and all its contents to the new location you selected. It will take a while depending on the content.
Link OneDrive
- Go back to the OneDrive settings window.
- Click on “Change location”.
- Navigate and select the new OneDrive folder location we made in the previous step.
- Select “Use this folder”. Verify that the location you have selected is correct.
- A welcome screen will appear. Scroll through it and close the settings window.
From there, any files you add or existing files you change will be synced to the cloud from the new OneDrive location on your PC.
