OneDrive creates a completely separate file structure under C:\Users\*MyName/\OneDrive\Documents

Question

I recently replaced my old computer with a new computer. Both computers run Windows 10. I manually copied all of my files from one computer to the other. On my new computer, documents were stored in this folder: C:\Users\*MyName*\Documents.

I then started up OneDrive. Although OneDrive claimed to be functioning normally, there seemed to be a problem; changes made on my computer did not appear on my OneDrive (when I accessed OneDrive through the web interface), and conversely changes made to my OneDrive did not impact my computer.

I recently figured out the problem: my OneDrive files are on a different location on my computer, namely C:\Users\*MyName*\OneDrive\Documents!

So now I have a problem. I want my computer to henceforth use C:\Users\*MyName*\OneDrive\Documents as my regular Documents folder. I want C:\Users\*MyName*\OneDrive\Desktop to be used as the location of my desktop files. I want C:\Users\*MyName*\OneDrive\Pictures to be used as my Pictures folder. But I don't know how to accomplish any of this.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hello Vancity_939,

Since you have already manually moved the files from old to new.

Go to the cloud One Drive and delete the Desktop, document, and Pictures to the recycle bin, not permanent delete, please.

It will stay there for 30 days before being deleted permanently.

Allow One Drive to upload fresh Desktop, documents, and Pictures.

Do your checks if everything is fine, then the ones in the Recycle bin are obsolete and it will delete itself. If you need anything from the old backup you have 30 days or at least a month to go check.

Answer 2

Hello Vancity_939,

Thank you for coming to the forum and I will be happy to assist in the best way I can.

Here is what you are going to do and what will happen when you do it.

First, what will happen: When you enable One Drive manage backup for Desktop, Documents, and Pictures it will merge what is on your current folders with that in the cloud. that is if you already have the Desktop and Documents folder in the cloud. One Drive does this neatly. but I will advise you do a local backup of the three folders elsewhere in case the merging do not go as planned.

To enable this, see the steps with pictures in the link below Go to Settings > Backup > Manage Backup and check Desktop Document and Pictures https://support.office.com/article/d61a7930-a6fb-4b95-b28a-6552e77c3057

I kindly await a reply for a follow-up or if there is anything else you need.

If none, have a wonderful rest of your day.

Kind Regards Fuad

Answer 3

You need to make sure that the OneDrive PC Folder backup is turned ON otherwise the Documents, Pictures, and Desktop system folders will not sync.

Answer 4

Thank you, this advice was very helpful!

Answer 5

Hi Fuad,

I tried doing this. However, at the "Manage folder backup" window, I see the following warning:

"PR card front AG.jpg and 39103 other files in the selected folders have the same name as files already in OneDrive. For each duplicate, we'll add '-Copy' to the end of the name, and both items will be available in OneDrive."

Obviously, this is a problem. I don't want 39103 files duplicated. Is there a way to address this problem?