Set OneDrive as Default Save Location in Windows 8.1

Leveraging OneDrive for Seamless File Storage in Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 features deep integration with OneDrive, previously known as SkyDrive, extending its functionality even to the desktop environment.

While utilizing OneDrive for universal file access across devices is highly beneficial, Windows doesn't consistently default to saving files directly to the cloud.

Configuring Windows 8.1 to Prioritize OneDrive Saving

This guide will detail the necessary steps to configure your system for easier saving to OneDrive, minimizing the risk of unintentionally storing crucial files on your local hard drive.

The principles outlined here are also applicable to other cloud storage platforms, such as Dropbox or Google Drive.

Steps to Ensure Files are Saved to the Cloud

Adjusting your save preferences will ensure that new files are automatically directed to your cloud storage.

This proactive approach helps maintain data synchronization and accessibility across all your connected devices.

Consider designating OneDrive as the primary location for all personal files.
Regularly verify that your save locations are correctly configured within individual applications.
Familiarize yourself with the default save behavior of frequently used programs.

By implementing these adjustments, you can streamline your workflow and benefit from the convenience of cloud-based file storage.

Consistent use of these settings will safeguard your data and ensure it remains readily available wherever you go.

Transferring Folders from Your Computer to OneDrive

Typically, applications will store numerous files within the folders located under “This PC” in File Explorer, specifically the Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos directories. These folders can be relocated to your OneDrive directory, and Windows will continue to present them under “This PC” as before.

Any new files saved to these folders while appearing under “This PC” will be automatically stored within your OneDrive cloud storage. However, a standard drag-and-drop operation will not suffice; a specific procedure must be followed to accomplish this transfer.

Begin by opening File Explorer. Then, right-click on one of your user data folders – for instance, the Documents folder – found under “This PC”. Select “Properties” from the context menu.

Within the Properties window, navigate to the “Location” tab. Click the “Move” button, and then select a new destination for the folder within your OneDrive account. You might need to establish a new folder inside OneDrive to accommodate the transferred folder.

As an example, we are moving the Documents folder from “This PC” to a Documents folder already existing within our OneDrive account. Confirm your selection by clicking “OK”, and Windows will initiate the transfer of the folder and its contents to OneDrive.

This process must be replicated for each folder you intend to move. Consider carefully which folders to relocate; for example, the Downloads folder is often best left in its original location, as it serves as a temporary storage area for downloaded files.

If you utilize multiple computers running Windows 8.1, repeating this procedure on each device will ensure that your user data folders under “This PC” remain synchronized across all your PCs and your OneDrive storage.

Direct Your File Saves to OneDrive

This technique offers a degree of overlap with the previously discussed method. Windows libraries are gradually being deprecated, currently hidden by default in Windows 8.1, despite their continued reliance within numerous "Store apps." By modifying your library configurations, documents saved to your Documents, Pictures, Music, or Videos libraries can be automatically stored on OneDrive.

Furthermore, this approach facilitates a division of your files between OneDrive and your local hard drive. A hybrid system is achievable, where certain files reside in local folders while others are securely stored in the cloud.

Revealing Hidden Libraries

Initially, you must make the hidden libraries visible within File Explorer. Open File Explorer, then navigate to the View tab on the ribbon. Click the Navigation pane button and ensure the "Show libraries" checkbox is selected.

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The libraries will now be displayed in File Explorer’s navigation pane. Right-click on the desired library and choose "Properties." Click the "Add" button to incorporate a new folder, selecting a location within your OneDrive directory.

If necessary, create a new folder inside OneDrive. Add this folder to the library, then select it and click "Set save location." Consequently, any files saved through the library will be automatically saved to the designated OneDrive folder and synchronized across all your connected devices.

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Synchronizing Across Devices

Replicate this procedure on each of your computers. The files within your OneDrive account will then become accessible within your libraries. It’s important to note that existing files already present in the library will not be automatically transferred to OneDrive.

You will need to manually move these files between folders within the library to relocate them to your OneDrive storage.

Modifying Default Save Locations Within Applications

Related: Instructions for Altering the Default Save Location in Office 2013

A significant number of applications feature individual settings that govern the default location for file storage. Should a specific program not be automatically saving files to OneDrive, accessing its settings and locating an option resembling "Default Save Location" will allow for modification.

Office 2013 is pre-configured to save files directly to OneDrive, negating the need for any manual adjustments in its settings.

It's important to consider that altering this setting may not be necessary if you have relocated one of your user data folders to OneDrive. For instance, if your Documents folder has been moved to OneDrive, applications attempting to save to the standard Documents folder will automatically store files within OneDrive.

Understanding User Data Folder Relocation

Moving user folders, such as Documents, Pictures, or Desktop, to OneDrive can streamline file management. This ensures that any application utilizing these standard locations will inherently save to the cloud storage.

This approach provides a system-wide solution, eliminating the need to individually configure each application's save preferences. It's a particularly effective method for consistent cloud-based backups.

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Note: Confirm that the relocation of user folders is completed successfully before relying on this method for automatic OneDrive saving.

Connecting External Folders to OneDrive

OneDrive's functionality regarding symbolic links on Windows 8.1 has changed. Previously, it was possible to create links to folders outside of OneDrive and have those folders automatically synchronized.

However, this feature is no longer supported. Currently, OneDrive will only synchronize files and folders that are directly contained within the primary OneDrive directory.

Despite this limitation, a workaround exists for applications that require files to be saved to a predetermined location outside of your OneDrive space. A method for synchronizing any folder or file outside of OneDrive on Windows 8.1 is detailed in our accompanying guide.

Understanding the Restriction

The core issue stems from OneDrive’s design. It’s built to manage content residing within its designated folder structure.

Attempting to link external folders introduces complexities that Microsoft has opted to avoid in the current implementation on Windows 8.1.

Microsoft is actively encouraging users to utilize OneDrive as their primary storage solution, shifting away from local file storage. Future iterations of Windows are anticipated to streamline this process further.

For the present time, achieving automatic file saving to your preferred cloud service requires minor adjustments to system settings. This allows for a seamless transition to cloud-based storage.