How to change the folder of Microsoft SkyDrive Desktop app


Do you want to change the root folder of Microsoft SkyDrive (OneDrive)? Read the step by step instructions to change the root folder location of SyDrive.

SkyDrive (Now called as Microsoft OneDrive) does not offer an option to change the desktop folder location through a configuration. Instead, you will have to go through unlink SkyDrive from your computer and then go through the full first time setup again.

Steps to change folder location for SkyDrive desktop app


Follow the steps below to move your SkyDrive folder to another location.

Step 1: Locate the SkyDrive icon in your system tray.

SkyDrive

Step 2: Right click on it and select the option "Settings".

SkyDrive Settings

Step 3: In the SkyDrive settings dialog, locate the "Unlink SkyDrive" button in the "Settings" tab. Use this option to unlink your PC from your SkyDrive.

Unlink SkyDrive

Unlinking your computer from SkyDrive will not affect your existing files and folders. However, the sync process will not more work and your files not be backed up.

At this time your SkyDrive has been reset to its initial settings. You can run the First Run Experience again to select any other folder of your choice.

Configure new location


When you perform the above steps and unlink SkyDrive, it will remove the icon from the system tray. In order to run it again and choose a new location, you may have to launch it from your programs menu or by clicking on the icon in your desktop. When you launch SkyDrive desktop app again, it will prompt you to configure it again. During this configuration, you can select the new folder.

Change SkyDrive folder

Caution: Your folders and files under your previous SkyDrive location, even though it is no longer marked as SkyDrive folder. It will still occupy your disk space. If you are moving to a new folder or drive, remember to cleanup the old folders and files to save disk space.

For Windows 8 and 8.1


The above approach will not work for Windows 8.1 since SkyDrive is tightly integrated into applications like Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office. The best way to accomplish the same task of changing the folder location is by going to the "linked services" and removing it from there.

Tip: Move your files manually form your old SkyDrive folder to the new folder to save re-syncing your files again. If you move your files manually, SkyDrive needs to download/upload only the changed/missing files.

Read How to get extra storage in Microsoft OneDrive (formerly, SkyDrive)


Article by Tony John
Tony John is a professional blogger from India, who started his first Weblog in 1998 at Tripod.com. Tony switched to blogging as a passion blended business in the year 2000 and currently operates several popular web properties including IndiaStudyChannel.com, Techulator.com, dotnetspider.com and many more.

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