What To Know
- OneDrive provides a feature called Selective Sync, which allows users to choose which folders to sync to their devices.
- In some cases, it may be preferable to sync all folders to ensure that all files are readily available on all devices.
- You can right-click on individual files and select “Don’t sync this file” to exclude them from Selective Sync.
OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service, offers a convenient way to store and access files across multiple devices. However, many users wonder if OneDrive only syncs certain folders. The answer to this question is both yes and no.
Understanding OneDrive’s Selective Sync Feature
OneDrive provides a feature called Selective Sync, which allows users to choose which folders to sync to their devices. This feature is particularly useful for saving storage space and bandwidth, especially when dealing with large or frequently changing folders.
How to Use Selective Sync
To use Selective Sync, follow these steps:
1. Open the OneDrive desktop app.
2. Click on the “Settings” icon in the top right corner.
3. Select the “Account” tab.
4. Click on the “Choose folders” button.
5. Uncheck the folders you don’t want to sync.
Benefits of Selective Sync
Selective Sync offers several benefits:
- Reduced storage space: By excluding certain folders from syncing, you can free up space on your device.
- Faster sync: With fewer folders to sync, OneDrive can complete the process more quickly.
- Bandwidth conservation: Selective Sync helps reduce the amount of data transferred over the network, saving bandwidth.
Folders Not Synced by Default
By default, OneDrive will sync the following folders:
- Desktop
- Documents
- Pictures
Adding Additional Folders to Sync
You can also add additional folders to your OneDrive account and sync them across devices. To do this:
1. Open the OneDrive desktop app.
2. Click on the “Add” button in the left sidebar.
3. Select the folder you want to add.
Files Available in the Cloud
Even if you choose not to sync certain folders, you can still access files stored in OneDrive through the web interface or mobile apps. These files will be available for download or streaming.
When to Sync All Folders
In some cases, it may be preferable to sync all folders to ensure that all files are readily available on all devices. This is particularly important for folders that contain critical or frequently accessed data.
Key Points: Tailoring OneDrive to Your Needs
OneDrive’s Selective Sync feature provides users with the flexibility to customize their sync settings and optimize storage space, bandwidth usage, and sync speed. By understanding how Selective Sync works, you can tailor OneDrive to meet your specific needs and ensure that your most important files are always accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why can’t I sync certain folders with OneDrive?
A: Some folders may be excluded from sync due to file permissions or system limitations.
Q: Can I sync folders from multiple computers to OneDrive?
A: Yes, you can add folders from any computer connected to your OneDrive account.
Q: How do I resolve sync conflicts when using Selective Sync?
A: OneDrive will automatically resolve most conflicts, but you may need to manually intervene in some cases.
Q: Can I sync folders from external hard drives with OneDrive?
A: Yes, you can add folders from external hard drives as long as they are connected to your computer.
Q: How do I exclude specific files within a synced folder?
A: You can right-click on individual files and select “Don’t sync this file” to exclude them from Selective Sync.
