Windows PC Sync to Microsoft OneDrive

On Thursday, Sept. 15, Information Technology Services will enable a feature on all University-owned Windows PCs that will automatically sync files from the local “Documents” and “Pictures” folders to OneDrive.

Many users have configured the OneDrive backup feature already, but we need to ensure that all users have it enabled. This is a critical step in the protection of files against malware/ ransomware and other potential threats and risk of corruption to the campus computing environment.

When this setting is enabled, it will copy items from your Documents folder and Pictures folder to your OneDrive account and will re-map these folders to the OneDrive versions. You should not experience any disruption. However, you may see a pop-up message that files are syncing, and you may see new files in your OneDrive, moved there from the My Documents folder.

At this time, we are not forcing a sync of items stored in your Desktop folder (the main screen you see when you log on). Please note, that those stored files will not be backed up and protected with OneDrive. This will be a future enhancement. However, we strongly encourage all users to proactively set it in your OneDrive settings.

Please be aware that this change applies only to University-owned Windows PCs and not to personal computers or computers in the Lab/class environment.

For additional information, please visit our FAQ OneDrive at https://www.umsl.edu/technology/support/faqs/onedrive.html, or for requesting assistance, please visit https://help.umsl.edu.