Backing up Desktop and Document folders with OneDrive on Mac Operating System

Owned by Neal Pynenberg, created
Dec 20, 2023
2 min read

 

The Microsoft OneDrive application can automatically backup documents saved to the Desktop and Document directories within a Mac user’s home directory. Enabling this feature is strongly recommended to prevent data loss, and make future hardware replacements easier.

 Instructions for users already using the OneDrive application

  1. Launch OneDrive if not already running.

  2. Click on the OneDrive menubar icon, and click on the Help & Settings icon

  3. Within the settings area, click on the Backup icon, and then Manage Backup

  1. Click on Desktop and Document icons, and then click Start Backup

  2. After the setup process and initial sync is complete, your Desktop and Document directories will remain synced to your OneDrive account.

 Instructions for users who have not been using the OneDrive application

  1. Launch Microsoft OneDrive if not already running.

  2. Enter your NetID in the setup assistant, authenticate as needed and click through the remaining setup steps. As part of this initial setup process, the Desktop and Document directory sync will already be enabled as a default.

     

  3. After the setup process and initial sync is complete, your Desktop and Document directories will remain synced to your OneDrive account.