change onedrive folder location windows 10
change onedrive folder location windows 10

change onedrive folder location windows 10

Introduction

Greetings, readers! OneDrive is a cloud storage service that allows you to store your files online and access them from anywhere. While OneDrive is a convenient way to keep your files backed up and accessible, you may find that the default folder location is not ideal. Fortunately, you can easily change the OneDrive folder location to a more convenient spot on your computer.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps of changing the OneDrive folder location in Windows 10. We’ll cover various methods, including using the OneDrive settings, the Registry Editor, and a third-party tool. Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or a beginner, you’re sure to find a solution that works for you.

Changing the OneDrive Folder Location Using the OneDrive Settings

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the left sidebar.
  3. Select "Properties."
  4. Click on the "Location" tab.
  5. Click on the "Move" button.
  6. Select the desired new folder location.
  7. Click on the "OK" button.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure that the new folder location is on a drive with sufficient storage space to accommodate your OneDrive files.
  • You can also use the "Choose a custom location" option if you want to create a new folder for OneDrive.

Changing the OneDrive Folder Location Using the Registry Editor

Step-by-Step Instructions (Caution: Advanced Users Only)

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type "regedit" and click on the "OK" button.
  3. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftOneDrive
  4. Right-click on the "OneDrive" folder and select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value."
  5. Name the new value "UserFolder."
  6. Double-click on the "UserFolder" value and enter the new folder location in the "Value data" field.
  7. Click on the "OK" button.

Important Note

  • Before making any changes to the Registry Editor, it is highly recommended to create a backup of your registry.
  • Incorrect modifications to the Registry Editor can cause serious system issues.

Changing the OneDrive Folder Location Using a Third-Party Tool

Using Symbolic Links

Symbolic links are a way to create a virtual link between two folders on your computer. You can use a third-party tool like Link Shell Extension to create a symbolic link from the default OneDrive folder location to the desired new location.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Download and install Link Shell Extension.
  2. Right-click on the default OneDrive folder location and select "Pick Link Source."
  3. Browse to the desired new location and select the folder you want to link to.
  4. Right-click on the new location and select "Drop As" > "Symbolic Link."

Benefits of Using Symbolic Links

  • Symbolic links allow you to maintain the original file structure and avoid having to move your OneDrive files.
  • You can easily revert the changes by deleting the symbolic link.

Table of Methods

Method Steps Difficulty
OneDrive Settings 7 Easy
Registry Editor 10 Advanced
Third-Party Tool (Symbolic Links) 4 Intermediate

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored various methods to change the OneDrive folder location in Windows 10. Whether you prefer to use the built-in OneDrive settings, the Registry Editor, or a third-party tool, you can now easily customize the location of your OneDrive folder to suit your needs.

Thank you for reading! If you found this article helpful, please check out our other articles on OneDrive and other cloud storage services.

FAQ about change onedrive folder location windows 10

1. Can I change the location of my OneDrive folder?

Yes, you can change the location of your OneDrive folder to any location on your computer or an external drive.

2. How do I change the location of my OneDrive folder?

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on the OneDrive folder and select "Properties."
  3. Click on the "Location" tab.
  4. Click on the "Move" button.
  5. Select the new location for your OneDrive folder and click on the "Select Folder" button.
  6. Click on the "OK" button to save your changes.

3. What happens to my files when I change the location of my OneDrive folder?

Your files will be moved to the new location you selected. You can still access your files from any device that is connected to your OneDrive account.

4. Can I change the location of my OneDrive folder back to its original location?

Yes, you can change the location of your OneDrive folder back to its original location by following the steps outlined in question 2.

5. What if I have a lot of files in my OneDrive folder? Will it take a long time to move them?

The time it takes to move your files will depend on the number of files you have and the size of your files. If you have a lot of files, it may take some time to move them.

6. Can I change the location of my OneDrive folder to an external drive?

Yes, you can change the location of your OneDrive folder to an external drive. However, it is important to note that if you remove the external drive from your computer, you will not be able to access your OneDrive files.

7. What are the benefits of changing the location of my OneDrive folder?

There are several benefits to changing the location of your OneDrive folder, including:

  • You can free up space on your computer’s hard drive.
  • You can improve the performance of your OneDrive sync.
  • You can better organize your files.

8. Are there any risks associated with changing the location of my OneDrive folder?

There are a few risks associated with changing the location of your OneDrive folder, including:

  • You may lose access to your files if you remove the external drive from your computer.
  • Your OneDrive sync may not work properly if the new location is not accessible.
  • You may have to re-share your files with other people if you change the location of your OneDrive folder.

9. What should I do if I have problems changing the location of my OneDrive folder?

If you have problems changing the location of your OneDrive folder, you can try the following:

  • Make sure that you have administrator privileges on your computer.
  • Close all open programs.
  • Restart your computer.

10. Where can I get more help with changing the location of my OneDrive folder?

You can get more help with changing the location of your OneDrive folder from the Microsoft support website.

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