How to Change OneDrive Folder Location? Infinite Times!
Changing the OneDrive folder location is useful when your system drive is running out of space or when you want better file organization. Most of the time, this folder is located in the C drive under the user profile.
The process of changing the OneDrive folder location involves unlinking your current OneDrive setup and reconnecting it with a new folder path. This does not delete your files from the cloud. Your files remain safe online and will sync again once you reconnect to OneDrive.
Before starting, make sure all your files are synced properly. A stable internet connection will help you complete the process smoothly. It is also recommended to close any programs using files stored in the OneDrive folder to avoid conflicts.
Now, let’s change your OneDrive folder location easily, step by step!
How to Change OneDrive Folder Location? [Easy Steps]
To change the OneDrive folder location, first unlink your PC from OneDrive through the account settings. Then sign in again and select a new folder location when prompted during setup. After choosing the new location, OneDrive will sync your files to the new folder automatically. This method works on both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Now, let us go through each step carefully.
Step 1: Unlink your OneDrive account from the PC
The first step is to disconnect your OneDrive account from your computer. This allows you to set a new folder location when you sign in again.
Look at the bottom right corner of your screen and find the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray. Click on this icon to open the OneDrive panel. Once it opens, click on the Settings or gear icon and select the option that opens the full settings window.
Inside the settings window, go to the Account tab. Here you will see your currently connected Microsoft account. Look for the option labeled Unlink this PC and click on it. A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure you want to unlink the account.
Confirm the action. After unlinking, OneDrive will stop syncing on your computer. Do not worry because your files remain safe in your online OneDrive account. They are not deleted from the cloud. Only the connection between your PC and OneDrive is removed temporarily.
Once unlinked, OneDrive will automatically sign out and close. This prepares your system for selecting a new folder location.
Step 2: Start OneDrive setup again
After unlinking your account, you need to start the OneDrive setup again to choose a new location.
Open the Start menu and search for OneDrive. Click on the OneDrive app from the search results. When it opens, you will see the sign-in screen asking for your Microsoft account details.
Enter your Microsoft email address and click Sign In. Then enter your password and continue. OneDrive will now begin the setup process just like it did when you first installed Windows or signed in for the first time.
During the setup process, OneDrive will show you the current default folder location. Usually, this location is shown as a path in your user folder on the C drive. At this stage, you will see an option to Change location.
Click on the change location option. A file explorer window will open, allowing you to choose a new folder or create one in a different drive. You can select any internal drive, such asthe D or E drive, or even an external drive if it remains connected to your computer.
After selecting the new location, confirm your choice. OneDrive will now use this new folder path for storing and syncing files.
Step 3: Choose the new OneDrive folder location
Selecting the right folder location is an important part of this process. Make sure you choose a drive with enough free space to store your OneDrive files.
When the file explorer window appears, navigate to the drive where you want to move your OneDrive folder. You can create a new folder by clicking the new folder option and naming it something like OneDrive or Cloud Files. Once created, select that folder and confirm your choice.
OneDrive may show a message if the selected folder already exists or contains files. If the folder is empty and ready for use, continue with the setup. If you are moving from an old location and want to keep existing files, make sure you manage them carefully to avoid duplicates.
After confirming the new folder location, OneDrive will ask you to continue with syncing. It may also ask whether you want to sync all files or choose specific folders. Select the option that best suits your storage needs.
Once completed, OneDrive will begin syncing files from the cloud to the new folder location. Depending on the size of your data and internet speed, this process may take some time.
Step 4: Wait for files to sync completely
After setting the new folder location, OneDrive starts downloading and syncing files automatically. It is important to allow this process to finish without interruption.
You can monitor the syncing status by clicking the OneDrive icon in the system tray. It will show whether files are currently syncing or fully up to date. Avoid shutting down your computer or disconnecting from the internet until syncing is complete.
If you previously had files stored locally, you can move them manually into the new OneDrive folder if needed. Make sure to move only after the setup is finished to avoid conflicts. Once everything is synced, your files will be available both locally and in the cloud.
Step 5: Verify the new folder location
After syncing is complete, you should verify that OneDrive is using the new folder location.
Open File Explorer and navigate to the new folder you selected. You should see all your synced files and folders there. Try opening a file to ensure it works properly. You can also upload a new file to confirm that syncing is working as expected.
To double-check the location, click the OneDrive icon in the system tray and open settings again. Under the account or sync tab, you will see the current folder path. If it matches the new location you selected, the process was successful.
Now your OneDrive files are stored in the new folder location, and you have more control over your storage space and organization.
Faqs
Can I change the OneDrive folder location without unlinking my account
No. You must unlink your PC from OneDrive before you can select a new folder location. The option to change location appears only during the setup process after unlinking.
Will changing the folder location delete my files
No. Your files remain safe in your online OneDrive account. Changing the folder location only affects where files are stored on your local computer.
Can I move OneDrive to another drive, like the D or E drive
Yes. You can move the OneDrive folder to any internal drive or external drive. Just make sure the drive remains connected and has enough storage space.
How long does it take to sync files again?
The time required depends on your internet speed and the size of your OneDrive data. Small folders may sync in minutes, while large amounts of data may take several hours.
Can I change the location again later?
Yes. You can repeat the same steps anytime if you want to move the OneDrive folder to another location again.