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2 Ways to Sync Network Folder to OneDrive | Windows 11/10/8/7
This article delves into the intricacies of syncing network folders to OneDrive, presenting robust solutions to achieve this effortlessly. We also introduce AOMEI Backupper, answer frequently asked questions, and offer practical tips to optimize your synchronization process.
By Delia Updated on October 11, 2024
🌟 Video Guide: How to Sync Network Folder to OneDrive
Case: How do I sync a network folder to OneDrive?
I am using OneDrive to store files but I cannot synchronize my network folder to OneDrive. I tried to sync the network folder to a local desktop, then, sync the network folder from the local desktop to OneDrive. This process is so cumbersome since I have to do it manually each time, and I have to repeat this operation daily or weekly. There must be a simpler way to sync the network folder to OneDrive directly. I hope someone can help me! Thanks in advance!
OneDrive is a cloud-based storage platform that enables users to store, manage, and share files securely. You can synchronize computer folders directly to a OneDrive account, eliminating the need for manual file transfers and ensuring the files are up to date. But what about network folders? Can you sync them to OneDrive automatically?
👉Sync network folder to OneDrive with AOMEI Backupper🔥
Why sync network folder to OneDrive automatically
In general, users would like to sync network folders to OneDrive (for business) for the following reasons:
📌Data Accessibility: Files stored in OneDrive can be accessed from anywhere, on any device with an internet connection. This ensures that team members can access important files whether they are in the office, working from home, or traveling.
📌Data Security: OneDrive offers robust security features, including encryption and advanced threat protection. Syncing network folders to OneDrive ensures that data is stored securely, reducing the risk of data loss due to local hardware failures or other issues.
📌Automatic Backup: Files are automatically backed up to the cloud, providing an extra layer of data protection. In case of accidental deletion or corruption of files on the local network, the backed-up copies in OneDrive can be restored easily.
📌Collaboration: OneDrive facilitates real-time collaboration by allowing multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. This improves productivity and ensures that all team members are working with the most up-to-date information.
📌Storage Management: Syncing to OneDrive helps manage local storage more efficiently by offloading data to the cloud. This can free up space on local servers and reduce the need for physical storage expansion, thus cutting costs and simplifying infrastructure management.
However, many users cannot sync network folders to the cloud directly, just as the user in the above case. Are there any means to perform the synchronization automatically without the need to operate it each time?
How to sync network folder to OneDrive (2 ways)
OneDrive is a free online storage offered by Microsoft, which allows you to sync files between your computer and the cloud easily in Windows 7/8/10/11. It comes with Windows 11/10/8. But for Windows 7 users, it's still a must-step to download and install it. Sign up with a Microsoft account. When you sign in the OneDrive, you can choose to use it for personal or business (company or school).
✍Note: For server users, the OneDrive desktop app is available on Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 (including R2), and Windows Server 2008 R2. If your system is not supported, please turn to OneDrive web browsers or the 2nd method.
Now, let's return to the topic of syncing a network folder to OneDrive. Essentially, there are two primary methods to accomplish this in Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, or Windows Server. Both methods are straightforward and allow for seamless integration of your network folders with OneDrive for easy access and backup.
🔥Way 1. Use the free sync tool - AOMEI Backupper Standard, which can sync folders between the network and OneDrive easily. Also, it provides you with more useful features, such as scheduled sync daily/weekly sync, or real-time sync.
Way 2. Use the Command Prompt to create a symbolic link between the network folder and OneDrive for automatic syncing. This method leverages the link command to establish a seamless connection, ensuring that changes in the network folder are reflected in OneDrive.
Way 1. Sync network folder to OneDrive with AOMEI Backupper
AOMEI Backupper Standard is a free sync software for Windows 11/10/8/7. Below are its special functions, let’s take a look!
AOMEI Backupper- Efficient File Sync: effortlessly sync network files and folders to OneDrive and other cloud drives such as Dropbox and Google Drive.
- Versatile Sync Options: enable to sync OneDrive with external hard drives, USB flash drives, NAS, networks, and more.
- Convenient Scheduled Sync: set up scheduled syncs on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis to automatically sync all files and folders to OneDrive.
100% SecureNow, download AOMEI Backupper, install it, and launch it. Then, follow the steps below to sync the network folder/drive to OneDrive. And it's still applicable to sync network folders to Google Drive and Dropbox.
*If you are a Windows Server user, you can turn to the Server edition and have a test on the Trial version.
🔹Step-by-step guide to sync network folder to OneDrive automatically:
1. Click Sync and choose Basic Sync. This enables you to sync changed files from the source network folder to the target OneDrive folder with a schedule.
You can upgrade to the Professional edition to enjoy more advanced sync modes:
▪ Real-Time Sync: Sync changed files from the source directory to the target directory in real-time.
▪ Mirror Sync: Always keep the files in the source directory exactly the same as the target directory.
▪ Two-Way Sync: Any changes made to the source or target directory will be synchronized to the other side.
2. Click Add Folder>Share/NAS>Add Network location successively. Then, type a display name, and network path, and click OK to select the folder you need on the network.
✎Note: You can click on the icon as shown below to open “Filter settings”. This feature allows you to select which file extension you want to keep and which you want to abandon (available in the Professional edition).
3. Click the drop-down menu and choose Select a cloud drive, then choose OneDrive as the destination path.
4. (Optional) You tick “Schedule” to sync files and folders in Daily/Weekly/Monthly, etc. automatically. Then, click Start Sync to execute the operation.
🔹How to backup files to AOMEI Cloud
Apart from the cloud drives offered by third-party providers, you can also backup files to AOMEI Cloud. It offers you 1TB of free storage for 15 days after you sign up for an AOMEI account.
Way 2. Sync network folder to OneDrive using Command Prompt
You can sync a network folder to cloud storage using symbolic links. Symbolic links are a way to create a reference to a file or folder that exists in another location. This way, you can access the files in the original folder from the new location without having to copy them over.
Follow the steps below to add a network folder to OneDrive using Command Prompt.
1. Install the OneDrive desktop application on your server and point it at a folder you can find easily, for example, C:\OneDrive (“OneDrive” is the folder name and this folder is on C drive).
2. Creating a subfolder in “OneDrive” called “Data” on C drive (i.e. C:\OneDrive\Data).
3. The OneDrive desktop application will then sync this empty folder with the cloud.
4. Click This PC/Computer on your computer and click “Map Network Drive”, type the network path you would like to access, then, there will be a network drive on your computer with a drive letter.
5. Type cmd in the search box, click it and run as administrator.
6. Type the command below to create a symbolic link and press Enter. For example, I only wanted to sync the contents of N:\Data (Data is the folder name, and N: is the drive letter of your network drive you map on your computer).
This operation is actually creating a fake subfolder called C:\OneDrive\Data which actually points across the Network at N:\Data. When OneDrive syncs contents in C:\OneDrive\Data, it actually syncs the contents of N:\Data.
FAQs about Sync Network Folder to OneDrive
- Can I sync a local folder to OneDrive?
Yes, you can sync a local folder to OneDrive using the File Sync feature. Simply open OneDrive settings, go to the "Choose folders" tab, and select the local folder you want to sync with OneDrive. Once selected, the contents of the local folder will be synchronized with your OneDrive cloud storage, allowing you to access them from anywhere.
- How do I add a network share to OneDrive?
To add a network share to OneDrive, you first need to ensure that the network share is accessible from your computer. Once confirmed, open OneDrive settings and go to the "Add an account" tab. Choose the option to add a network drive, then enter the network share path and credentials if required. Once added, the network share will be synced with your OneDrive storage, providing access to its contents.
- How do I sync a local folder to a network drive?
Syncing a local folder to a network drive involves setting up a synchronization process between the two locations. You can use built-in tools like SyncToy or a free SyncToy alternative to achieve this. Simply select the local folder you want to sync, choose the network drive as the destination, and configure the synchronization settings such as sync frequency and direction. Once set up, changes made in the local folder will be reflected in the network drive, and vice versa.
Conclusion
Synchronizing network folders to OneDrive can greatly enhance your file management and accessibility. By following the detailed solutions provided in this guide, you can ensure a seamless and efficient synchronization process. Whether you use symbolic links, OneDrive for Business, or third-party tools, mastering the sync of network folders to OneDrive will undoubtedly streamline your workflow and boost productivity.
With its useful features, you can set an automatic sync in daily/weekly/monthly, or real-time mode. And these features can help you spare time and effort.
