How to Sync OneDrive

This article will walk through the steps to ensure OneDrive is properly syncing all your files.

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How to Sync all desktop files on Windows to OneDrive

To keep your desktop files safe and accessible from anywhere, you can set up OneDrive to automatically back up your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders.

Here’s how to do it on a Windows computer:

  1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray (bottom right of your screen near the clock).

  2. Select the gear icon to open Settings.

  3. Go to the Backup tab.

  4. Click Manage Backup.

  5. In the pop-up window, make sure Desktop, Documents, and Pictures are selected.

  6. Click Start Backup.

All of your desktop files will now automatically sync to your OneDrive folder. This helps make sure your files are backed up and available on any device.

Note: You can always check the OneDrive icon for sync status. If there’s no warning symbol, your files are syncing correctly.

How to Ensure OneDrive is Syncing

To make sure you don’t lose files or miss the latest updates, it’s important that your OneDrive is syncing properly.

Here’s a quick way to check:

  1. Update a file in your OneDrive folder on your computer (just make a small change or save it again).

  2. Look at the OneDrive icon in your system tray — this is near your display clock.

    • On Windows, it’s usually at the bottom right of your screen.

    • On Mac, it’s usually at the top right.

What to look for:

  • If the OneDrive icon (one or two blue clouds) has no warning symbol, your files are syncing correctly.

  • If you see an exclamation mark on the icon, there’s a syncing issue.

Tip: You may need to click the little arrow (^) in the system tray to see all icons, including OneDrive.

Here’s what it looks like when everything is working correctly on a Windows computer:

Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

Check for Synced Files

Once the OneDrive application shows your files have synced, it may be helpful to verify these files in OneDrive through your browser.

  1. Visit microsoft365.com and select 'Sign In' in the top-right of the page.

  2. Sign in with your UTC Email (abc123@utc.edu) and Password

  3. In the top left, select the waffle icon then select OneDrive

    Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  4. Then on the left side select 'My Files'

    Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  5. Here you can view all files uploaded and contained within your OneDrive.

Synchronization Issues in OneDrive

Here are some helpful Microsoft articles with instructions on potential troubleshooting steps with OneDrive syncing issues.

Additional Support 

Open an IT Helpdesk request ticket.
Send an email to ITHelp@utc.edu.
Contact the IT Help Desk at 423-425-4000 or visit our IT Chat Portal.

 

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