2 Ways to Sync Network Folder to OneDrive | Windows 11/10/8/7
🌟 Video Guide: How to Sync Network Folder to OneDrive
Case: How do I sync a network folder to OneDrive?
I am using OneDrive to store files but I cannot synchronize my network folder to OneDrive. I tried to sync the network folder to a local desktop, then, sync the network folder from the local desktop to OneDrive. This process is so cumbersome since I have to do it manually each time, and I have to repeat this operation daily or weekly. There must be a simpler way to sync network folder to OneDrive directly. I hope someone can help me! Thanks in advance!
OneDrive is a cloud-based storage platform that enables users to store, manage, and share files securely. You can synchronize computer folders directly to OneDrive account, eliminating the need for manual file transfers and ensuring the files up to date. But what about network folders? Can you sync them to OneDrive automatically?
Why sync network folder to OneDrive automatically
In general, users would like to sync network folders to OneDrive (for business) for following reasons:
- Save your physical storage device space.
- Keep a copy of your files and folders to keep file safe.
- Share files with others easily with the built-in “Share” feature.
- Access files and folder on tablet and phone easily with Microsoft account.
However, many users cannot sync network folder to cloud directly, just as the user in the above case. Are there any means to perform the synchronization automatically without the need to operate it each time?
How to sync network folder to OneDrive (2 ways)
OneDrive is a free online storage offered by Microsoft, which allows you to sync files between your computer and the cloud easily in Windows 7/8/10/11. It comes with Windows 11/10/8. But for Windows 7 users, it's still a must-step to download and install it. Sign up with a Microsoft account. When you sign in the OneDrive, you can choose to use it for personal or business (company or school).
✍Note: For server users, the OneDrive desktop app is available on Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 (including R2), and Windows Server 2008 R2. If your system is not supported, please turn to OneDrive web browsers or the 2nd method.
Now let's return to the topic, how to sync network folder to OneDrive. Basically, there are 2 ways to help you sync folder to OneDrive in Windows 7/8/10/11 or Windows Server directly.
- Way 1. Create a symbolic link between network folder and OneDrive to sync folder using Command Prompt.
- Way 2. Use free sync tool - Qiling Disk Master Standard, which can sync folders between network and OneDrive easily. Also, it provides you more useful features, such as scheduled sync like daily/weekly sync or File Sync.
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Way 1. Sync network folder to OneDrive using Command Prompt
You can sync a network folder to cloud storage using symbolic links. Symbolic links are a way to create a reference to a file or folder that exists in another location. This way, you can access the files in the original folder from the new location without having to copy them over.
Follow the steps below to add network folder to OneDrive using Command Prompt.
1. Install the OneDrive desktop application on your server and point it at a folder you can find easily, for example, C:\OneDrive (“OneDrive” is the folder name and this folder is on C drive).
2. Creating a subfolder in “OneDrive” called “Data” on C drive ( i.e C:\OneDrive\Data). The OneDrive desktop application will then sync this empty folder with the cloud.
3. Click This PC/Computer on your computer and click “Map Network Drive”, type the network path you would like to access, then, there will be a network drive on your computer with a drive letter.
4. Type cmd in the search box, click it and run as administrator. Type command below to create a symbolic link and press Enter. For example, I only wanted to sync the contents of N:\Data (Data is the folder name and N: is the drive letter of your network drive you map on your computer).
This operation is actually creating a fake subfolder called C:\OneDrive\Data which actually points across the Network at N:\Data. When OneDrive syncs contents in C:\OneDrive\Data, it actually syncs the contents of N:\Data.
Way 2. Sync network folder to OneDrive with Qiling Disk Master
Qiling Disk Master Standard is a free sync software for Windows 11/10/8/7. With its File Sync feature, you can sync network files and folders to OneDrive and other cloud drives like Dropbox, Google Drive and so on.
Furthermore, this feature also allows you to sync OneDrive to external hard drive, USB flash drive, NAS, external hard drive, network, etc.
In addition, you can set up “schedule sync” at daily, weekly, or monthly to automatically sync all files and folders to OneDrive.
Now, download Qiling Disk Master, install and launch it. Then, follow the steps below to sync network folder/drive to OneDrive. And it's still applicable to sync network folder to Google Drive and Dropbox.
*If you are Windows Server user, you can turn to Server edition and have a test on the Trial vesion.
🔹Step-by-step guide to sync network folder to OneDrive automatically:
1. Click Sync and choose File Sync. This enables you to sync changed files from the source network folder to target OneDrive folder with a schedule.
You can upgrade to Professional edition to enjoy more advanced sync modes:
▪ File Sync: Sync changed files from source directory to target directory in real time.
▪ File Sync: Always keep the files in source directory exactly same as target directory.
▪ Two-Way Sync: Any changes made to source or target directory will be synchronized to the other side.
2. Click Folder>Share/NAS>Add Network location successively. Then, type display name, network path, and click OK to select the folder you need on network.
✎Note: You can click on the icon as shown below to open “Filter settings”. This feature allows you to select which file extension you want to keep and which you want to abandon (available in Professional edition).
3. Click the drop-down menu and choose Select a cloud drive, then choose OneDrive as the destination path.
4. (Optional) You tick “Schedule” to sync files and folders in Daily/Weekly/Monthly, etc. automatically. Then, click Proceed to execute the operation.
Conclusion
Syncing network folders to OneDrive offers a convenient and efficient way to access and manage your files. With the help of Qiling Disk Master, and following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily sync your network folders to cloud and experience the benefits of seamless file synchronization.
With its useful features, you can set an automatic sync in daily/weekly/monthly or real-time mode. And these features can help you spare time and effort.
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