OneDrive Full Backup – How to Backup Files to/from OneDrive

OneDrive has become one of the most convenient ways to store and access files across devices. However, just because your files are in the cloud doesn’t mean they’re completely safe. Accidental deletion, ransomware attacks, or account issues can still lead to data loss. That’s why performing a OneDrive full backup is an essential step to keep your important data secure.

Whether you want to back up files from OneDrive to your computer or external drive, or upload local files to OneDrive for cloud protection, this guide will walk you through every reliable method.

👉 Solution 1: OneDrive Full Backup via OneDrive Desktop App
👉 Solution 2: OneDrive Full Backup with Free Backup Software🔥

Solution 1: OneDrive Full Backup via OneDrive Desktop App

The OneDrive desktop app enables you to perform a OneDrive full backup—whether you want to back up your PC to OneDrive or download all OneDrive files to your computer for safekeeping. Follow the instructions below to backup PC to OneDrive and vice versa:

1. Open the OneDrive app on your PC and sign in with your Microsoft account. If not installed, download it from Microsoft’s website.

2. Choose your OneDrive folder location. By default, OneDrive stores synced files in C:\Users\[YourName]\OneDrive. Click Next to continue.

Note: You can click Change location if you want to move OneDrive folder to another drive (e.g., D:\OneDrive).

3. Choose the folders you want to back up (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, etc.) and click Start backup.

Note: OneDrive only offers 5GB of free storage. If the data you select exceeds the limit, click Get more storage to upgrade your plan.

4. Go through the introduction pages. At the “Get the mobile app” page, click Later.

5. When you see “Your OneDrive is ready for you”, click Open my OneDrive folder. In this folder, you can see the files uploaded to OneDrive cloud as well as the files downloaded from the cloud.

Note: To back up additional files or folders to OneDrive cloud, simply copy them into your local OneDrive folder.

Solution 2: OneDrive Full Backup with Free Backup Software

If you’re looking for more flexibility and control than the OneDrive desktop app offers, a free backup tool like AOMEI Backupper Standard is a great choice.

Download AOMEI Backupper now and learn how to set up OneDrive full backup step by step below.

Backup Computer to OneDrive

1. Install and launch AOMEI Backupper. Click Sync on the left panel and choose Basic Sync.

2. Click Select Source, then select the folder(s) you want to back up.

3. Click the destination box and select your OneDrive local folder as the target location.

4. Enable Schedule Sync and choose your preferred frequency as necessary. Finally, click Start Sync to begin syncing PC folders to OneDrive.

Backup OneDrive to External Drive

1. Connect your external hard drive to ensure it’s recognized. Then run AOMEI Backupper and click Sync > Basic Sync.

2. Click Select Source to browse to your local OneDrive folder.

3. Click the destination box and select your external hard drive (or a folder on it) as the destination path.

4. Enable Schedule Sync if needed and click Start Sync to begin syncing your OneDrive files to your external hard drive.

Troubleshoot Common OneDrive Syncing Errors

Even if you’ve set up a OneDrive full backup, sync errors can still occur due to connection issues, file conflicts, or software glitches. Here’s how to identify and fix the most common OneDrive syncing problems.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

OneDrive requires a stable network connection to sync files. If your upload or download speed is slow, syncing may pause or fail. Try these steps:

• Restart your router or switch to a more stable network.
• Pause and resume OneDrive syncing from the system tray.
• If you’re on a metered connection, make sure OneDrive is allowed to sync on metered networks.

2. Make Sure You’re Signed in to the Correct Account

Sometimes, OneDrive sync errors occur because you’re logged in to the wrong Microsoft account. Verify your login credentials by:

• Clicking the OneDrive icon in the taskbar and choosing Settings > Account.
• Ensuring the account shown is the one connected to your cloud files.

3. Verify Storage Space Availability

If your OneDrive cloud storage or local disk is full, new files won’t sync.

• Check OneDrive cloud storage by signing into your Microsoft account online.
• Clear unnecessary files or upgrade your storage plan.
• Free up local space by enabling Files On-Demand, which keeps cloud files online until you need them.

4. Resolve File Name and Path Issues

OneDrive doesn’t support file names containing certain characters (like “<”, “>”, “|”, “?”) or paths longer than 400 characters.

• Rename problematic files or shorten folder paths.
• Avoid using special characters and long nested directories when preparing your OneDrive full backup.

Conclusion

Creating a OneDrive full backup is essential for protecting your valuable files against accidental deletion, ransomware, or cloud account issues. Both the OneDrive desktop app and AOMEI Backupper Standard can help you with backing up files to/from OneDrive.

If you need an all-around backup solution, go for AOMEI Backupper. It enables you to backup system/disk/partition/files to various locations. Also, it supports schedule backup and incremental backup to help maintain multiple versions without using too much storage space. Why not give it a shot?