Problem with OneDrive

Question

Why are all of my files folders shown only in One Drive, not my local drive C:? I should be able to access my folders easily, but I can't find them on my local drive any more.

Answer 1

Quoting the official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzIA9uykIhE&t=43s

To make sure a file is always available even when your offline, right-click it and select "Always keep on this device."

Answer 2

Hi!

Why are all of my files folders shown only in One Drive, not my local drive C:?

• When you say "folders," are you referring to user folders like Desktop, Documents, Pictures...?

OneDrive synchronization with your PC is probably enabled. OneDrive automatically backs up your data in the Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and Videos folders.

The folders are moved to C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive\, but shortcuts to Desktop, Documents, and others should continue to work in File Explorer.

You can also quickly access OneDrive by clicking its icon in File Explorer. If you don't want OneDrive backup, you can disable it by clicking in the taskbar > Cloud icon > Gear icon > Settings > Sync & Backup > Disable all folders. If this isn't what you're referring to, please send me more details about your problem. Also send me screenshots.

⚠️ Do not post personal information; this forum is public. Redact sensitive information in the images.

Answer 3

Files and folders that appear only in OneDrive and not on drive C: are typically stored in the OneDrive sync folder rather than in the older locations previously used.

On Windows, the local OneDrive folder is usually under the user profile, for example:

• C:\Users\<username>\OneDrive (personal)
• C:\Users\<username>\OneDrive - <OrganizationName> (work or school)

Files shown in OneDrive on the web are synchronized with this local OneDrive folder, not with arbitrary locations on C:. If files were moved into OneDrive (for example, Desktop/Documents/Pictures were redirected into OneDrive, or folders were manually moved), they will no longer appear in their old locations on C: but instead under the OneDrive path above.

If a folder is shared with the account and added as a shortcut, it appears under My files in OneDrive on the web and in the OneDrive folder in File Explorer (for example, under OneDrive - Contoso). If it is not visible locally, selective sync might be enabled; in that case, enable the folder in OneDrive settings under Account → Choose folders so it syncs to the PC.

Note that OneDrive and Windows features such as Files On-Demand and Storage Sense require the OneDrive folder to be on the system partition (C:). OneDrive does not synchronize arbitrary folders elsewhere on C: unless they are inside the OneDrive directory or linked into it using supported methods.

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References:

• Add shortcuts to shared folders in OneDrive
• Use OneDrive and Storage Sense in Windows 10 to manage disk space