However, when you run out of cloud storage you need a backup option. Read on to find out how to do sync your OneDrive to an external HDD.

What does OneDrive do?

One of the biggest cloud storage services out there is OneDrive, and it is extremely safe and reliable. Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage service is a massive convenience because it maintains your files synced across devices and backed up onto the internet. Nevertheless, depending on how much you store in it, your OneDrive folder could take up a lot of space. Of course, not everyone is such a big fan of cloud storage and still relies on the good old external hard drive as the go-to backup software.

Can I backup OneDrive data to an external drive?

Plenty of people have been wondering whether or not you can backup your OneDrive with an external hard drive in order to free up space. The short answer would be yes, and this step-by-step guide will show just how you can do this.

How can I sync my OneDrive to my external hard drive?

You can sync OneDrive with an external HDD very easily via the app’s built-in settings. As long as the hard drive is connected to your PC or laptop, OneDrive will treat it as if it is just a regular part of your local storage.

  1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the System Tray.

  2. Press on Settings.

  3. Select Account.

  4. Choose Unlink this PC.

  5. Navigate to your original OneDrive sync folder. You can select the entire external hard drive for OneDrive to sync, just as long as your OneDrive subscription can handle all the necessary storage space.

  6. Cut and paste the folder to your external hard drive.

  7. Go back to the OneDrive set-up window.

  8. Sign in with your account.

  9. Select Change location to set your sync folder to be your external hard drive.

By following these steps, OneDrive should now be able to sync with that folder from within your external hard drive. Syncing goes as with any other folder, although you should disable OneDrive whenever you plan on disconnecting the external hard drive first. This is because OneDrive will treat the missing files and folders as deleted, and may result in error messages. Did you find this article useful? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

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