Have you ever desired to synchronize folders that are situated outside of your OneDrive folder? If so, you’re in luck as I am here to demonstrate how! Being a technology enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoy discovering methods to streamline my workflow, and this particular hack has significantly impacted my productivity.
Before we dive into the details, let me explain why you might want to sync folders outside of the OneDrive folder. OneDrive is a fantastic cloud storage solution provided by Microsoft, but it can be restrictive when it comes to the location of your files. By default, it only syncs files located within the OneDrive folder on your computer. However, there are times when you may have important files or folders that you want to access and sync directly from their original locations.
To achieve this, we’ll be using a nifty feature called Symbolic Links, also known as Symlinks. Symlinks allow you to create a reference or shortcut to a file or folder in another location. By creating a symlink inside your OneDrive folder, you can sync the files or folders located outside of it without having to move or duplicate them.
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
Firstly, we need to open Command Prompt, a powerful tool that allows us to execute commands on our computer. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + R on your keyboard, typing “cmd,” and hitting Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the OneDrive Folder
Once you have the Command Prompt window open, you’ll need to navigate to your OneDrive folder. This is where the symlink will be created. Depending on the location of your OneDrive folder, you might need to use the “cd” command to change directories.
Step 3: Create the Symbolic Link
With the Command Prompt window open and the correct directory selected, it’s time to create the symbolic link. To do this, you’ll need to use the “mklink” command followed by the destination and source paths. For example:
mklink /D "C:\OneDrive\Synced Folder" "C:\Original Folder"
This command creates a symbolic link named “Synced Folder” inside the OneDrive folder, which points to the “Original Folder” located outside of it.
Step 4: Test the Sync
Now that the symlink is created, you can test the sync to ensure that it’s working correctly. Make changes to the files or folders inside the “Original Folder” and check if they are being synced to the “Synced Folder” inside your OneDrive folder.
That’s it! You’ve successfully learned how to sync folders located outside of your OneDrive folder using symbolic links. This method allows you to have greater flexibility in organizing and accessing your files without having to compromise the structure of your existing folders.
Conclusion
Syncing folders outside of the OneDrive folder can be a real game-changer for those who rely heavily on cloud storage. With symbolic links, you can seamlessly integrate files and folders from various locations into your OneDrive sync, giving you greater control over your data.
Remember, always exercise caution when working with symbolic links and ensure that you’re creating them correctly. Improperly managing symlinks can lead to broken links or data loss. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with this process, it’s always a good idea to consult with a tech-savvy friend or professional.
Happy syncing!