Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To back up selected Windows 11 folders to OneDrive, open the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area, choose Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup, turn on the folders you want, and select Save changes. Let the initial sync finish and check its status before relying on the cloud copy. This feature syncs changes and deletions too, so it is not a permanent archive of every version.
Before you turn on folder backup
- Choose the folders deliberately. Depending on your setup, OneDrive may offer Desktop, Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos. You do not have to select every folder.
- Check your cloud storage. Microsoft says a free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage; that capacity is shared with other OneDrive content. Check the space available in your account before selecting large folders. Microsoft’s Windows Backup guidance describes the allowance.
- Understand what sync does. Additions, edits, and deletions can sync between your PC and OneDrive online. A deletion may therefore affect the cloud copy as well. Microsoft explains OneDrive sync.
- Make sure the right account is signed in. OneDrive supports personal and work or school accounts, but an organization may restrict folder backup. Microsoft says OneDrive is already installed in Windows 11; if it is not configured, open it and sign in to the account you intend to use. See Microsoft’s OneDrive setup guidance.
Turn on OneDrive folder backup
- In the Windows notification area, select the OneDrive cloud icon. If you do not see it, open Start, search for OneDrive, and launch the app. Sign in if prompted.
- Open the OneDrive menu and select Settings.
- Select Sync and backup, then Manage backup. The available labels or screens can vary with Windows updates, account type, and organization policy.
- For each folder you want to protect, turn on its control if it is marked Not backed up. Select only the folders you want included.
- Select Save changes and allow OneDrive to upload and synchronize the contents. A changed setting does not mean the initial upload has finished.
Check that the files have synced
Return to OneDrive settings or check Windows Backup to review backup status. Wait until OneDrive indicates that syncing is complete before treating the online copy as current. You can also sign in to OneDrive on the web and confirm that expected folders and files appear.
Files On-Demand affects what you see on the PC, not whether a file is in OneDrive. Files may be online-only to save local disk space, locally available, or set to remain available on the device. If you need a file without an internet connection, choose Always keep on this device for it in File Explorer.
Choose the right Windows backup route
OneDrive folder backup and the Windows Backup app are related but distinct. Use OneDrive settings to manage which folders are synchronized. Windows Backup can also include Windows settings and app preferences, but Microsoft describes it as a consumer-focused option for personal Microsoft accounts; work or school accounts are not supported in that app.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
| Path | Best for | Account and availability notes |
|---|---|---|
| OneDrive Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup | Selecting and managing OneDrive folder protection. | Supports personal and work or school OneDrive accounts, though an administrator may disable folder backup. |
| Windows Settings > Accounts > Windows backup or the Windows Backup app | Personal-account users who also want Windows settings and app preferences in their backup configuration. | Microsoft says work or school accounts do not work with this app. This limitation does not mean OneDrive folder backup is unavailable to all managed accounts. |
For either route, check which folders are included, the account being used, available storage, offline-access needs, and the recovery options that matter to you. Microsoft’s Windows Backup instructions and OneDrive folder-backup guidance describe the separate paths.
Know how to recover a deleted or changed file
Restore a deleted file
Sign in to OneDrive on the web, open Recycle bin, select the file, and choose Restore. If a file disappeared from the PC, also check the Windows Recycle Bin. An online-only file deleted from OneDrive will not appear in the computer’s Recycle Bin.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Microsoft documents a recovery window of 30 days for personal accounts and 93 days for work or school accounts, unless an administrator changes retention. Items permanently deleted from the OneDrive recycle bin cannot be recovered. See Microsoft’s deleted-file recovery guidance.
Recover an earlier version or restore OneDrive
Microsoft 365 subscribers can use file version history or restore the whole OneDrive. Whole-OneDrive restore requires Microsoft 365 and can roll back changes from within the last 30 days. Files created after the selected restore point are moved to the OneDrive recycle bin, so review the activity and restore point before confirming. Microsoft explains OneDrive restore.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
If folder backup is unavailable or will not finish
- The control is missing or cannot be enabled: A work or school administrator may have disabled folder backup. A domain-connected folder or account restriction can also affect availability. On a managed PC, check with your IT administrator.
- The expected pictures are missing: Check whether the relevant Pictures, Screenshots, or Camera Roll folder is selected to sync to the PC.
- A file will not sync: OneDrive does not sync an individual file larger than 250 GB. Microsoft advises keeping the full Windows path, including filename, under 260 characters. Names cannot start with a space or contain
: / * ? < > " |. These limits are documented in Microsoft’s folder-backup guidance. - A folder cannot be moved during setup changes: Close files that are open. Certain nested important folders and file-system links can also prevent folder protection.
- Sync appears incomplete: Recheck available cloud storage and OneDrive status. Confirm the intended folder is selected for syncing, and allow the upload to finish before relying on it.
Turn folder backup off without losing track of files
In OneDrive settings, open Sync and backup > Manage backup and turn off the folder’s control. OneDrive will ask whether to keep the files only in OneDrive or only on the PC. Choose carefully: keeping them only in OneDrive means they will no longer appear in that device folder; keeping them only on the PC removes them from OneDrive.
If cloud-only files are involved, Microsoft warns you may need to set them to Always keep on this device before stopping folder backup. Review Microsoft’s instructions for stopping folder backup before confirming the change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
