restore some files from a different backup of one drive on a hd

Question

I recently did a complete reinstall of windows 11 and named my pc a new name. I'm now getting all my files and apps I want on this fresh pc. The only thing is I have some files I wish to get back from a save I did of One Drive on a hard drive. But as this pc is a new name, One drive is not recognizing the other save. The files need to be linked to one drive for me to access them and move them out of there! Has anyone done this, or have a way to do it , with out too much problem.

I was thinking of using my laptop and having it named with the pc old mane?

Any help advise very welcome..

Answer 1

Hi Coxy ofNewp,

After a clean Windows 11 reinstall, it’s normal for OneDrive to behave like it’s a brand‑new device. This is because OneDrive associates files with the Microsoft account, not the PC name. As a result, previously backed‑up files stored on an external drive may not automatically appear linked on the new system.

Here are the 2 supported options that you can consider trying to access and re‑link your files:

Option 1: Restore files from the external OneDrive backup - if your external drive contains a OneDrive backup folder:

• Connect the external hard drive to the new PC
• Open File Explorer and locate the backed‑up OneDrive folder
• Copy the required files or folders
• Paste them into your current local OneDrive folder C:\Users\<YourName>\OneDrive
• OneDrive will automatically detect and sync the files

Files placed inside the active OneDrive folder are re‑linked and synced automatically.

Option 2: Re‑sync directly from OneDrive cloud storage - if the files were already synced to OneDrive online:

• Open OneDrive on the new PC
• Sign in using the same Microsoft account as before
• Open File Explorer > OneDrive
• Allow files to sync down automatically

All files stored in OneDrive cloud storage become available on the new device after sign‑in.

By copying files from the external backup into your current OneDrive folder - or by signing in and syncing from the cloud - you can safely restore access with minimal effort.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Answer 2

Hello Coxy ofNewp,

OneDrive not really link the pc name (it sync the folders you specify like (Desktop / Documents / and so on).

So basically, download and install OneDrive App and turn on sync (that will restore the synced folders) > Confirm the merge.

Regarding the old save from onedrive to HD (where you exactly saved them?) > you can search your onedrive

Check out this doc: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/back-up-your-folders-with-onedrive-d61a7930-a6fb-4b95-b28a-6552e77c3057