Hello , GreggRosen
Welcome to Microsoft Community.
I understand your situation, to achieve saving files simultaneously to both the hard drive and OneDrive while configuring the new computer’s sync settings, you can refer to the following steps:
Step 1: Transfer all OneDrive content to a mirrored folder on your hard drive
1. Verify OneDrive is synced on the new computer:
• Ensure you have logged into OneDrive and completed the initial setup.
• Check if the OneDrive folder appears on your new computer (usually located at: C:\Users\
2. Enable local file sync:
• Open the OneDrive folder.
• Right-click on the top-level folders or files, and select “Always keep on this device”.
• This will download all content from OneDrive to your local hard drive while retaining a cloud copy.
• Wait for synchronization to complete (this may take time depending on file size and network speed).
3. Manually copy to a specific mirrored folder (if needed):
• If you want a separate mirrored folder on your hard drive:
• Open File Explorer and create a new folder (e.g., D:\MyDocuments).
• Copy the content from the OneDrive folder into the new folder.
Step 2: Configure automatic saving to the hard drive and syncing to OneDrive
1. Change the default save location for documents:
• Open Settings (press Win + I).
• Navigate to System > Storage.
• Click Advanced storage settings > Change where new content is saved.
• Under New documents will save to, select your desired hard drive folder (e.g., D:\MyDocuments).
2. Set up OneDrive automatic sync:
• Open the OneDrive application.
• In the system tray, right-click the OneDrive icon and select Settings.
• Under the Account tab, ensure the target folder is added to OneDrive’s sync scope:
• If not, click Choose folders > check the folders you wish to sync.
• Click Manage Backup, and select the folders (e.g., Desktop, Documents, and Pictures) to be automatically saved to OneDrive.
3. Test saving and syncing:
• Save or create a document in the specified folder on your hard drive (e.g., D:\MyDocuments).
• Check if the file appears in the OneDrive folder to confirm synchronization.
Potential issues you may encounter:
• Slow sync speed (network):
If the network is slow, prioritize downloading smaller files or perform large file sync during non-working hours.
If OneDrive prompts conflict errors, choose Keep both files or resolve them manually.
Optional: Sync files using LAN sharing if the network is slow
You can use LAN file sharing to sync files to another device and then enable folder sync functionality.
Steps for LAN file sharing on Windows:
• Open the Network and Sharing Center:
• Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter.
• Click Network and Sharing Center.
• Enable sharing settings:
• Click Change advanced sharing settings.
• Expand the current network profile (e.g., “Private” or “Public”).
• Turn on network discovery.
• Turn on file and printer sharing.
• Turn off password-protected sharing (optional for easier access).
• Locate the folder you wish to share, right-click it, and select Properties.
• Click Share, and select a user or group:
• Select Everyone (to allow access for all LAN devices).
• Adjust permission levels (Read or Read/Write).
• Click Share and complete the setup.
• Click Advanced Sharing, check Share this folder, and note the share path (e.g., \\YourComputerName\SharedFolder).
• From another device on the same LAN:
• Open File Explorer, type the shared path (e.g., \\YourComputerName\SharedFolder or the computer’s IP address: \\192.168.1.10) in the address bar.
• Map a network drive (optional):
• Right-click This PC or My Computer, select Map Network Drive, and enter the shared path.
• Choose a drive letter and check Reconnect at sign-in.
4. Verify sharing configuration:
• Ensure both devices are on the same network segment (e.g., 192.168.1.x).
• Use the ipconfig command to verify IP addresses.
• Check firewall settings if access is blocked:
• Go to Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall.
• Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall, and ensure File and Printer Sharing is enabled.
Points to keep in mind during setup:
• By default, the Everyone group has read-only access. For write permissions, modify the security settings under the Security tab.
• If enabled, accessing shared folders requires the host device’s username and password.
• Ensure the network type is set to Private for better functionality.
After following these steps, you should be able to achieve your goal. If you encounter any issues during the process or need further assistance, feel free to let me know.
Leo Z | Microsoft Community Support Specialist
