How to Sync Documents to OneDrive Automatically: 2 Easy Ways

On this page, you will learn how to sync Documents to OneDrive automatically using the OneDrive desktop app and another free sync software.

Jonna

By Jonna Updated on October 29, 2024

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How Do I Sync My Documents Folder to OneDrive?

I have various programs expecting files that are saved in the Documents folder. What I am willing to do is sync the Documents folder with OneDrive, without moving it away to another location. How do I do that? Thanks.

Documents folder, also known as My Documents folder, is a component of a user profile that serves as a unified location for storing personal data on Windows. Many users are accustomed to storing commonly used work files and application data such as files containing settings and saved games, in this folder. On this page, you will learn how to sync Documents to OneDrive automatically in Windows 10/11.

Benefits of Syncing Documents Folder to OneDrive

Syncing your Documents folder to OneDrive offers several benefits, especially in terms of convenience, accessibility, and collaboration. Here are some key advantages:

  • Accessibility from Anywhere: Syncing Documents to OneDrive allows you to access your files from any device with an internet connection. Whether you're using a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can view and edit your documents on the go.
  • Cross-Device Synchronization: Changes made to documents on one device automatically sync to all other devices connected to the same OneDrive account. This ensures that you have the latest version of your files regardless of where you access them.
  • Backup and Recovery: As a cloud-based storage service, you can recover the data from OneDrive when your device is lost, damaged, or if you accidentally delete a file, providing an additional layer of data protection.
  • Collaboration and Sharing: OneDrive facilitates easy collaboration by allowing you to share documents with others.

So how do I sync My Documents to OneDrive? Follow the methods below to get it done easily.

How to Sync Documents to OneDrive Automatically using OneDrive App

OneDrive offers a sync client for every major desktop and mobile operating system, which allows you to perform OneDrive sync from PC to cloud for any folder. In Windows 10/11, this sync client is built in. Here is how to auto sync Documents to OneDriveusing the OneDrive desktop app:

Step 1. Search for "OneDrive" in the Windows search box to launch, log in, and set it up.

Step 2. To sync Documents folder with OneDrive, click on Help & Settings -> Settings -> Manage Backup under Backup.

Manage Backup

Step 3. Tick Documents, and hit Start Backup. Then, when you make changes to files in Documents, they will be automatically synced with OneDrive.

Manage Folder Backup

★Tips:
For how to not sync Documents to OneDrive, you can repeat the steps above to easily turn off the Documents backup to let OneDrive stop syncing Documents folder.
OneDrive also offers you the ability to choose which OneDrive folders to sync to your local computer in Account -> Choose Folders. In this way, you can keep OneDrive files online only to save you local space.​​​

Alternative Way to Auto Sync Documents to OneDrive - Easy & Free

If you encounter errors like OneDrive not syncing Documents, OneDrive syncing slow, etc., you can turn to the free file sync software - AOMEI Backupper Standard, to sync Documents with OneDrive hassle-free. It has the following advantages:

◉ You can use it to sync files and folders to cloud drives like OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc., as well as to sync to NAS, USB flash drive, external hard drive, network, and various locations.
◉ With its "Schedule Sync" feature, you are able to automatically Documents to OneDrive in the interval of daily, weekly, monthly, event triggers, and USB plug in as needed.
◉ This software is widely compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP. For server users, try AOMEI Backupper Server!

Download and install this free sync software on your computer, and figure out how to make OneDrive sync Documents folder automatically now!

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
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Preparation: before proceeding with syncing steps on AOMEI Backupper, please launch and sign in to the OneDrive app on your computer.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Backupper, and select Basic Sync under the Sync tab.

File Sync

Additional sync options available in the professional version or higher:

Real-Time Sync: It will sync files and changes made later in real-time, thereby minimizing data loss in a disaster.

Mirror Sync: It helps you to maintain the files in the destination directory precisely identical to those in the source directory.

Two-Way Sync: It is to sync files and changes between the source and destination directories mutually.

Step 2. Click Add Folder to select the Documents folder you want to sync.

Add Folder

Step 3. Click on the destination bar, and opt for Select a cloud drive.

Select a Cloud Drive

Step 4. Then, choose OneDrive, and click OK on the pop-up screen.

Backup to OneDrive

Step 5. Tap on Schedule Sync to set up auto synchronization. Then, click Start Sync to perform the operation.

Schedule Settings

★Tips:
Don't modify the source folder nameafter setting up synchronization. Otherwise, this software will not sync files anymore.
For OneDrive only provides 5 GB of free cloud storage, you could consider backing up files to AOMEI Cloud. It is a cloud drive developed by AOMEI Tech, offering a free 1TB storage capacity 15 days after signing up for an AOMEI account.

Conclusion

That’s all about how to sync Documents to OneDrive to keep your data safe. You can either choose to use the OneDrive desktop app or the powerful sync freeware, AOMEI Backupper. With this tool, you can not only solve the issue of how do I sync files to OneDrive, for Documents as well as any other files/folders, but also create Windows system image backup to OneDrive as a disaster recovery plan.

Jonna
Jonna · Editor
Jonna joined AOMEI in 2021 and has become a professional in the areas of computer backup and restoration, disk cloning, file synchronization, etc. She maintains a keen eye for the latest technology trends, ensuring that the information provided is always in step with industry developments.