Want to keep your OneDrive files safe and accessible offline? This guide shows you how to sync OneDrive to an external hard drive using both built-in settings and free software like AOMEI Backupper.
Syncing OneDrive files to an external hard drive isn’t just about convenience — it’s about keeping your data safe, accessible, and under your full control. Here are the main reasons why this practice is worth doing:
👉 Method 1: Sync OneDrive to External Hard Drive via “Move”
👉 Method 2: Sync OneDrive with External Hard Drive via Sync Software🔥
OneDrive automatically syncs files to a default folder on your system drive (usually C:\Users\[Username]\OneDrive). However, you can change this folder location to an external hard drive, allowing OneDrive to sync directly to it. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1. Connect your external hard drive to your computer. Make sure it has enough free space to hold all your OneDrive files.
Step 2. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray. Choose Help & Settings > Settings.
Step 3. Under the Account tab, click Unlink this PC. Confirm the action — this pauses sync temporarily.
Step 4. Locate your OneDrive folder from File Explorer -> click the Move to button -> click Choose location to select a folder on your external hard drive as the destination.
Note: You can also click Make New Folder to create a new folder on your external hard drive and use it as the destination.
Step 5. When all the contents in the OneDrive folder are moved to the external drive, click the OneDrive cloud icon, and sign in with your OneDrive account.
Step 6. When you reach the “Your OneDrive folder” step, select Change location and browse to the OneDrive folder on your external drive. Click Next -> Use this folder to continue the setup.
Step 7. Once setup is complete, OneDrive will begin syncing files to the external drive automatically. You can monitor progress through the system tray icon.
Note: Keep your external hard drive connected whenever your computer starts up. If it’s disconnected, OneDrive may display a sync error until the drive is reattached.
If you want a smarter way to sync OneDrive to an external hard drive, the best free sync tool - AOMEI Backupper Standard can give you a hand.
✨Automatically syncs OneDrive data to external drives, USB drives, NAS, or other locations.
✨Supports flexible schedules (one time, daily, weekly, monthly or event triggers).
✨ Detects changes in OneDrive folders and updates them automatically.
Download AOMEI Backupper now and follow the steps below to sync OneDrive with an external hard drive:
Step 1. Connect your external hard drive to ensure it’s recognized.
Step 2. Install and launch AOMEI Backupper. Click Sync on the left panel and choose Basic Sync.
Step 3. Click Select Source to browse to your default OneDrive folder.
Step 4. Click the destination box and select your external hard drive (or a folder on it) as the target location.
Step 5. Enable Schedule Sync and choose your preferred frequency.
Step 6. Click Start Sync > Add the schedule and start sync now, and AOMEI Backupper will begin syncing your OneDrive files to your external hard drive.
Whether you’re syncing OneDrive using built-in settings or sync software, a few practical steps can help you avoid errors, speed up transfers, and keep your files consistent. Follow these best practices to ensure a smooth and reliable sync process.
1. Keep the External Drive Connected Before Sync Starts
Make sure your external drive is plugged in before the sync task runs. If the sync process can’t find its target folder, it may pause syncing or show errors until the drive is reattached.
2. Avoid Renaming or Reassigning the Drive Letter
Windows sometimes changes drive letters when new USB devices are connected. To prevent the sync task from losing its path, assign a permanent drive letter to your external hard drive via Disk Management (e.g., “E:” or “F:”).
3. Check Available Storage Regularly
OneDrive storage grows as you add more cloud files. Always monitor your external drive’s free space to ensure there’s enough room for new sync data. If your drive runs out of space, OneDrive or AOMEI Backupper might stop syncing properly.
4. Use Stable Power and USB Connections
For large file transfers, unstable connections can cause sync interruptions or corruption. Use a reliable USB 3.0 port and avoid disconnecting the drive while syncing. If you’re using a laptop, plug it into power to prevent sleep interruptions.
Syncing OneDrive to an external hard drive is a smart way to protect your cloud data, free up disk space, and ensure offline access anytime. Whether you use the built-in “Move” feature or automate the process with AOMEI Backupper Standard, you gain full control over your files and an extra layer of security.
If you prefer a quick, hands-free solution, AOMEI Backupper makes the process effortless — automatically syncing OneDrive folders to your external drive on a schedule. What’s more, it’s the best free Windows backup software that enables you to create a bootable backup in Windows 11. Try it now to discover more!
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