How to Sync Your Windows 11 Settings and Files Across Multiple Devices Using OneDrive

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Sync Your Windows 11 Settings and Files Across Multiple Devices Using OneDrive. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Keeping your files and personal preferences consistent across multiple Windows 11 computers can save time and prevent frustration. By using OneDrive, you can sync your desktop backgrounds, browser favourites, and important documents so that they appear the same whether you are working from your home office in Brisbane or a secondary device elsewhere in Australia.

Detailed Instructions

1. Sign in with a Microsoft Account

To sync settings, you must use a Microsoft account rather than a local account.

1. Select Start > Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Your info.
3. If you are using a local account, select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead and follow the prompts.

2. Set Up OneDrive

1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar notification area. If you do not see it, select the Show hidden icons arrow.
2. If OneDrive is not open, select Start, type OneDrive, and open the app.
3. Enter your Microsoft account email address and select Sign in.
4. Follow the setup wizard. When asked to choose the OneDrive folder location, you can accept the default or select Change location.
5. Select Next through the remaining screens and select Open my OneDrive folder to finish.

3. Back Up Windows Settings

This syncs your theme, passwords, language preferences, and other Windows settings.

1. Select Start > Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Windows backup.
3. Under Remember my preferences, toggle the items you want to sync, such as Other Windows settings, Passwords, and Language preferences.
4. Under Folders to back up, toggle Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to On.
5. Select Back up files to begin syncing these folders to OneDrive.

4. Sync Files and Folders

Any file you place in your OneDrive folder is available on every device where OneDrive is running.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Select OneDrive - Personal from the left navigation pane.
3. Move or copy your important documents into this folder.
4. Wait for the blue circular arrows to change to green ticks, indicating the files have synced to the cloud.

Browser favourites in Microsoft Edge sync automatically when you are signed in with the same Microsoft account. For other browsers, use their built-in sync features or export and import your bookmarks manually.

Troubleshooting

OneDrive Is Not Syncing

1. Select the OneDrive icon in the taskbar.
2. Select Help & Settings > Pause syncing and ensure it is not paused.
3. Select Help & Settings > Settings > Account > Unlink this PC, then sign in again to reset the connection.
4. Restart your computer and check File Explorer for green tick marks on your files.

Settings Are Not Syncing Between Devices

1. Ensure you are signed in with the same Microsoft account on every device.
2. Go to Settings > Accounts > Windows backup and confirm that Remember my preferences is enabled.
3. Check that you have an active internet connection on each device.
4. Verify that you have sufficient OneDrive storage space. Go to the OneDrive app, select Help & Settings > Settings > Account to view your usage.

OneDrive syncs deletions across all devices. If you delete a file from OneDrive on one PC, it will be removed from your other synced devices as well. Deleted files can usually be recovered from the OneDrive Recycle Bin online.

If you continue to experience issues with OneDrive sync or Windows backup, Open a Ticket with 220 Internet Services support.

Still Having Issues?