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How to Automatically Sync Windows Server with OneDrive
Want to sync Windows Server with OneDrive so as to keep your data safe? Get the best OneDrive sync tool to help you from this page. Supporting all Windows Server OS.
By Delia Updated on March 22, 2024
Can OneDrive Run on Windows Server? Answered
Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage that allows users to store files and folders in the cloud. With it, files can be accessed from a web browser or a mobile device, synced to a PC, shared with the public or with specific people.
To sync a PC with OneDrive, the first step is to download the OneDrive app for your platform. Some users may wonder, is it possible to download OneDrive for Windows Server? Can OneDrive client run on Windows Server? Typically, YES. As stated on the OneDrive system requirements page, the minimum requirements for running OneDrive are:
| PC |
Windows 10/11 (32-bit or 64-bit) Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2012 (including R2) |
| Processor | 1.6 GHz or higher, or Intel-based Mac computer, or a Windows 10/11 ARM-based PC |
| Memory | 1 GB of RAM or higher |
| Resolution | 1024 × 576 minimum |
| Internet connection | High-speed Internet access is recommended. |
| File systems | NTFS or HFS+(case insensitive) or APFS (case insensitive) |
✍That is to say, the OneDrive desktop app is available on Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2012 (including R2), as long as the other requirements are met.
The compatibility for running OneDrive on Windows Server may change over time as Microsoft updates its software. As of August 20, 2021, OneDrive no longer supports Windows Server 2008 R2, as it has been out of extended support. But versions can still be downloaded for 32-bit or 64-bit.
If your system is not supported, or have problems installing the client, please turn to OneDrive web browsers.
Or you can try an alternative to OneDrive on Windows Server - the cloud backup feature in AOMEI Backupper.
Hassle-free server syncSync files & folders to OneDrive, Google Drive, and multiple clouds automatically. Suitable for Windows Server 2003 - 2022 (including R2).
How to Use OneDrive on Your PC to Sync Windows Server
After you download OneDrive desktop app on Windows Server, you can sign in with your Microsoft account, and open OneDrive folder from the app. Normally, there are 2 ways you can utilize OneDrive app to sync Windows Server data.
Way 1. Drag and Drop Files to OneDrive Folder on Your Server
OneDrive folder has a two-way sync feature, with it, you can sync files and folders to OneDrive cloud storage account easily. When you delete files from OneDrive folder, also, they are deleted from cloud storage account.
To get started, just drag and drop any file into this folder. When it's done, this blue icon will turn into a green check mark. Files that have been successfully synced to the cloud can be accessed very easily on any other device where you have OneDrive installed.
Way 2. Setup Automatic OneDrive Sync with Properties Feature
Although it is easy to drag files to OneDrive folder, it is still a lot of trouble to manually put files as data changes quite frequently. If you use OneDrive for Business sync, it is even more troublesome as data changes more frequently. So, is there any way to setup OneDrive to automatically sync Server 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022?
As a matter of fact, if you set your "Documents" folder location on your PC to be your OneDrive location, everything saved in this folder will be synchronized with the cloud. Here's how to run Windows Server backup to OneDrive:
- Right-click on the documents folder in the file explorer, and choose Properties.
- In the Properties window, choose the location tab, then choose move.
- Double click OneDrive, select the documents folder inside, and choose "select folder" when it's highlighted.
- Once done, hit OK.
Now all the files in the "Documents" folder will be saved on OneDrive, so you never have to worry about losing your documents.
Auto Sync All Files in Windows Server to OneDrive with Effective Tool
The folder properties feature is useful to sync personal files and folders. However, when you apply this method to folders in C drive, you’ll find there is no Location option after clicking Property. It means you cannot set up OneDrive to automatically sync files in it.
To sync all files in Windows Server to OneDrive, it's wise to use professional software like AOMEI Backupper Server. It is a professional OneDrive folder sync tool for Server 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022 and its R2 version. Its Sync feature gives you several methods to sync any new or changed files continuously.
AOMEI Backupper- File sync. Choose from "Basic Sync", "Mirror Sync", "Two-Way Sync" and "Real-Time Sync" based on your needs.
- Schedule sync. You can sync files in Windows Server daily, weekly, and monthly to keep them safe and up to date.
- Supported OS. Besides Windows Server 2003/2008/2008 R2/2012/2012 R2/2016/2019/2022/etc, it also supports Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11, Windows Vista and XP.
- Various targets. Besides OneDrive, it can also synchronize files to other locations, like external hard drive, USB flash drive, NAS, network share, other cloud services (Google Drive and Dropbox), etc.
100% SecureWith this feature, you can spare time and effort to sync OneDrive with Windows Server. Let's see how to setup OneDrive to automatically sync Windows Server.
How to Run Windows Server OneDrive Sync Automatically
Before you start to do file sync, you need to sign up for OneDrive if you do not have an account of it. If you already have one, you need to sign in.
Detailed steps to sync/backup Windows Server to OneDrive:
1. Install and launch the software. Then it will bring you to the interface of AOMEI Backupper.
2. Click Sync and choose Basic Sync. To monitor any changes in your sync tasks and sync the changed files immediately when detected, you could try Real-Time Sync.
3. Click Add Folder and mount the folders you want to sync.
4. Click the right edge of the second bar > choose Select a cloud drive > select OneDrive cloud as the destination path.
5. At the bottom, click Schedule Sync > Enable Schedule Sync to setup sync mode. After that, click Start Sync.
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Schedule sync: Continuously sync files to OneDrive on basis of daily/weekly/monthly.
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Event triggers: To sync files without interfering other operation, you could consider using "System Shutdown".
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USB plug in: To auto copy files when USB drive is connected, you could use "USB plug in". It does not require human intervention.
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To sync OneDrive to Server, you just need to change the source folders and destination path accordingly.
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This tool also applies to synchronize files between Windows Servers, sync network drive with OneDrive, etc.
- AOMEI Backupper Server is not only a OneDrive sync tool, but also a backup & restore tool. You can use it to backup your system, disk, partition, and then restore. If you want to migrate OS to new Server, you can use the “Universal Restore”feature.
Backup Server Files to AOMEI Cloud Automatically
Apart from the cloud drives offered by third-party providers, AOMEI offers users its own cloud - AOMEI Cloud. After you sign up for an AOMEI account, you can use 1TB storage for free within 15 days.
You May Want to Know More about Syncing Server to OneDrive
Reasons to Sync Windows Server to OneDrive
Many users want to sync Windows Server with OneDrive for two reasons:
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Ensure data security. Syncing files from Server to cloud storage is one of the best ways to keep data safe. It can be used as a data protection or even system protection measure.
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Access files on any device. If you tend to use more than one computer or device like a tablet, then keeping your documents in sync is a great way to make sure you can find the data you want from anywhere.
With OneDrive, you can easily view and access your files on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Keep reading and learn how to sync Windows Server with OneDrive effortlessly.
FAQs about Server Sync to OneDrive
#1. Can I sync my Windows Server files with OneDrive?
Yes, you can sync files on a Windows Server with OneDrive using the OneDrive sync client. However, note that Windows Server operating systems are not officially supported by OneDrive, and some features may be limited.
#2. Why are some files not syncing on my Windows Server with OneDrive?
Check the file types and sizes, as some may be restricted by OneDrive. Ensure that the files are not in use, and verify the server's internet connectivity for successful syncing.
#3. Can I sync multiple Windows Servers with the same OneDrive account?
While technically possible, it is not recommended to sync multiple Windows Servers with the same OneDrive account simultaneously. It may lead to synchronization conflicts and unexpected behavior.
Conclusion
Syncing Windows Server with OneDrive is a good way to keep your data safe, it is even better when you use AOMEI Backupper to automatically sync Windows Server to OneDrive. With its “Schedule Sync” or “Real-time sync”, you can sync files without human intervention. Also, it keeps all your data up-to-date. This is very important, especially for users using OneDrive for business as a file server backup.
The only drawback is that you can only use AOMEI Backupper Server on severs. If you want to protect unlimited PCs and servers within your company, you may choose AOMEI Backupper Technician Plus. It offers unlimited billable technical services to clients. It also enables you to copy installation directory for portable version creation.
