Why Sync Your Windows Desktop With OneDrive?


Putting commonly used folders such as your Windows desktop in the cloud is a great solution if you use your desktop as a general dumping ground for downloaded files or frequently accessed items. That way, you'll always have those files synced across your devices. You can also set other PCs you use to sync their desktops with OneDrive.



How to Move Your Desktop to the Cloud With OneDrive


Before you begin, install the OneDrive desktop sync client on your version of Windows. Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 already have this program, but Windows 7 users will have to download and install the sync client manually. Windows 8 users can upgrade to Windows 8.1 to start using OneDrive.



1. Open the Windows File Explorer, right-click Desktop, then select Properties.


Open the Windows File Explorer and right-click Desktop, then select Properties.




2. In the Desktop Properties dialog box, select the Location tab.



Select the Location tab in the Desktop Properties window.



3. Select Move.



Select Move under the text entry box.



4. Double-click OneDrive.



Double-click OneDrive.




5. Select New Folder to create a new folder.



Select New Folder to create a new folder.




6. Name the new folder Desktop and press Enter.


Regardless of what you call the folder, it displays as Desktop in the OneDrive file list. If you have three computer desktop syncing to the same OneDrive account, each uses a different folder name but each display as Desktop.



Name the new folder Desktop and press Enter.





7. With the Desktop folder highlighted, click Select Folder.



With the Desktop folder highlighted, click Select Folder.




8. Select Apply to apply the new settings. The text entry box in the Location tab should look as follows:

C:\Users\User Name\OneDrive\Desktop



Select Apply to apply the new settings.




9. Select Yes to confirm that you want to move the desktop to OneDrive.




Select Yes to confirm that you want to move the desktop to OneDrive.

10. Select OK to close the Desktop Properties dialog box.



Select OK to close the Desktop Properties window.