File Storage: How to manage OneDrive Backup on a Windows PC

Microsoft's OneDrive file syncing software allows for the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders on your Windows device to automatically back up to your secure OneDrive folder in Office 365. Having these files in OneDrive enables you to easily access them from any device with an Internet connection, including classroom computers, mobile devices, and loaner laptops (should you ever need to have your device repaired, etc.).

ITS has begun to enable OneDrive Backup on all primary-use St. Thomas faculty and staff devices. Faculty and staff are advised to use OneDrive Backup with their St. Thomas accounts only on institutionally-owned devices.

The instructions below reflect the experience of configuring OneDrive Backup on St. Thomas Windows devices. Students using personal devices can use this article as a guide but may want to consult Microsoft's documentation here.

How to enable OneDrive Backup on a St. Thomas Windows device

1. Click on the OneDrive cloud icon in the bottom task bar, then the "Help & Settings" button, then "Settings."
   
   
   
    
2. In the window that appears, choose the "Backup" tab, then "Manage backup."
   
   
   
    
3. Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures (or whatever combination you wish to back up) by moving the slider appropriately. Moving the slider left disables backup for that selected folder. Moving it to the right enables it. There are no confirmation boxes that will appear.
   
   

How to disable OneDrive Backup on a St. Thomas Windows device

1. Follow the steps above to access the settings menu and manage backups.
2. Disable the folders you no longer wish to backup by moving the selection slider left.