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Windows tip of the week

Move your system folders to the cloud


By Ed Bott


In Windows 10, OneDrive is integrated into File Explorer, with its own node in the navigation pane. In combination with the Files On Demand feature this integration makes it possible for you to browse, edit, and manage local and cloud files as if they were part of a single unified store.


A relatively new OneDrive feature makes it possible to tie three crucial system folders directly into the cloud. If you choose to sync the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to OneDrive, any new items are automatically synced to the cloud and are available on other synced devices as well. OneDrive also backs up those files so you can recover a previous version if necessary.


To configure this feature, right-click the OneDrive icon in File Explorer or in the notification area on the taskbar, and then click Settings. Click the AutoSave tab to see the three folders available for syncing. Click to select or clear any folder (if you want to sync only the Documents folder, for example), and then click Start Protection. Your existing files are moved to the new location, merged with any files that are already there, and then synced on the local device.

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