Setting up OneDrive Sync with Local Computer Hard Drive

Note: Instructions provided are from Windows 11. The process for Windows 10 is identical but some UI elements may look a little different. This article outlines the process to set up backup. If you have already backed up your data and need to restore to a new computer, the instructions are identical. It's a little counter-intuitive to back up an empty computer but this is to ensure that any future changes/edits to documents are backed up.

Logging into the OneDrive application

How do you I know if it's done backing up or restoring my files? See this answer for more information (login required).

  1. Open the Start menu and search for "OneDrive" or locate "OneDrive" in the menu manually

    Search start menu for OneDrive
     
  2. Enter your UW-Platteville email address and click "Sign In"

    Image of window to enter email address in to
     
  3. Respond to the Duo prompts. On a personal computer, you will be prompted for your campus email and password prior to getting the Duo prompts.
  4. The next screen will indicate where your OneDrive folder will be stored on your local hard drive. In most cases, this value should not be changed. Click "Next".

    Image displaying the location of the OneDrive synced files
     
  5. "Documents", "Pictures", and "Desktop" folders are set to back up by default. You can choose the folders you would like backed up and click "Start backup".

    Note: If logging in to restore files to a freshly imaged or new computer, you will still select "Start Backup" to sync your files to your computer.

    Image of dialog box to choose what items to back up

 

At this point your computer has been configured to back up to your UW-Platteville OneDrive. There are some additional dialog boxes displayed which explain more about how OneDrive works. You can close or dismiss any of these and the backup process will still work.

 

Need help?

If you have questions, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 608.342.1400 or helpdesk@uwplatt.edu.  You may also visit the Help Desk on the first floor of the Karrmann Library.

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