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Step-by-Step Guide to Ensure OneDrive is Backing Up Local Folders (Windows & Mac)

Follow these steps to make sure your important local folders are being backed up to OneDrive on both Windows and Mac.

Step 1: Sign in to OneDrive

  • Windows:
    • Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray (a cloud icon near the clock).
    • If not signed in, select Sign in and enter your Microsoft account credentials.
  • Mac:
    • Click the OneDrive icon in the menu bar at the top right.
    • If not signed in, click Sign in and enter your Microsoft account credentials.

Step 2: Set Up Folder Backup (Known Folder Move)

This feature allows you to back up critical folders such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures automatically to OneDrive.

Windows:

  1. Open OneDrive Settings:
    • Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray and select Settings.
  2. Manage Backup:
    • Go to the Backup tab.
    • Click on Manage Backup under the Important PC Folders section.
  3. Select Folders to Back Up:
    • Check the folders you want to back up (Desktop, Documents, Pictures).
    • Click Start Backup to begin syncing these folders to OneDrive.

Mac:

  1. Open OneDrive Preferences:
    • Click the OneDrive icon in the menu bar and select Preferences.
  2. Manage Backup:
    • Go to the Backup tab.
    • Click Manage Backup and select the folders you wish to back up (Desktop, Documents, Pictures).
  3. Start Backup:
    • Click Start Backup to sync these folders to OneDrive.

Step 3: Ensure OneDrive is Syncing Properly

  • Windows:
    • Check the OneDrive icon in the system tray; it should show syncing status.
    • You can also click on View online to see the synced folders directly in OneDrive.
  • Mac:
    • Click the OneDrive icon in the menu bar; it will show the sync status.
    • Click Open OneDrive – Your Business Name to see files syncing.

Step 4: Verify Backups

  • Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
  • You should see the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders listed under OneDrive.
  • Any files saved in these folders will now be automatically backed up to OneDrive.

Step 5: Set Up Automatic Startup (Optional)

  • Windows:
    • Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray, select Settings, and under the Settings tab, check Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows.
  • Mac:
    • Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items.
    • Ensure OneDrive is in the list. If not, click the + button and add it.

Step 6: Monitor OneDrive Storage

  • Free OneDrive accounts come with 5GB of storage. If you need more, OneDrive will alert you when storage is running low.
  • Consider upgrading to a premium plan if more storage is required.

Step 7: Have us Back up your OneDrive

  • We’ll provide another layer of redundancy and provide an extra cushion on storage. It it’s important, back it up!

Special Offer: Get OneDrive Premium at a Discount!

If you don’t have a premium OneDrive account, you can purchase it through us at a discount. Our special offer includes the full Microsoft 365 suite with premium OneDrive features at competitive pricing. Contact us to learn more and save on your upgrade!

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