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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To sync selected settings in Windows 10, sign in with the Microsoft account you want to use across devices, then open Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings. Turn on Sync settings and enable the categories you want; repeat on each Windows device using the same account. This syncs selected preferences, not all files, apps, or PC settings.
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date; the operating system does not stop working.
Turn on settings sync in Windows 10
- Connect the PC to the internet and sign in to Windows with the Microsoft account you want to use across devices.
- Open Start > Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings.
- Turn on Sync settings.
- Turn on the individual categories you want to share. Available labels and categories may vary by Windows 10 version and account configuration.
Repeat these steps on each Windows device using the same Microsoft account. Sync provides access to selected account-backed settings; it does not promise that every preference, app, or configuration will transfer identically.
You must use a Microsoft account
A local account is specific to one device. To sync account-backed settings across devices, use the same Microsoft account on each PC.
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- Open Settings > Accounts > Your info.
- Select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead, if available.
- Follow the sign-in and verification steps.
- Return to Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings and enable the settings you want.
If the page offers Sign in with a local account instead, you are already using a Microsoft account.
What each sync option does
| What you want to sync | Control to use | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Selected Windows preferences | Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings | Selected Windows settings categories; not a complete PC copy |
| Files and folders | OneDrive settings or folder backup | Files and folders selected for OneDrive sync or backup |
| Browser data | Microsoft Edge Settings > Profiles > Sync | Selected Edge data such as favorites, settings, personal information, passwords, history, open tabs, extensions, and collections |
| Moving to a new PC | Windows Backup and Restore | A separate transfer or backup process, not the Windows settings sync switch |
Sync files separately with OneDrive
Windows settings sync does not sync documents or pictures. To sync files and folders, set up OneDrive and choose folders through OneDrive settings or folder backup.
- Open OneDrive settings from the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
- Choose the OneDrive sync or folder backup controls.
- Select the folders you want to sync or back up, if available.
OneDrive syncs selected files and folders with the cloud and makes them available on devices using that OneDrive account. This is separate from Windows settings sync.
Sync Microsoft Edge separately
Edge has its own sync controls. To sync browser data, including available categories such as favorites, settings, personal information, passwords, history, open tabs, extensions, and collections:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Open Settings > Profiles > Sync.
- Choose the browser data categories you want to sync.
Windows 10 settings sync does not control Edge sync.
Settings sync is not a full PC migration
Syncing selected settings is not the same as transferring everything to a new PC. It does not clone the computer or automatically move installed apps and all their configurations. Microsoft says its older PC-to-PC transfer experience is no longer available and points users to Windows Backup and Restore for moving to a new PC.
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What to do if “Sync your settings” is missing
Check that the PC is running Windows 10 and that you are signed in with a Microsoft account. Microsoft documents different controls for Windows 10 and newer Windows versions, so menu names can differ. On a work or school PC, an administrator may also restrict account or sync features; contact the administrator if the controls are unavailable.
Fix settings that refuse to synchronize
- Check the account: Confirm that each PC uses the same Microsoft account.
- Check the connection: Connect the PCs to the internet and confirm that the desired categories are enabled on each one.
- Check the Windows version: Menu names and available categories can vary by Windows 10 version and account configuration.
- Check for organization restrictions: If this is a work or school PC, ask the administrator whether syncing is restricted.
Settings may not appear instantly. Keep the devices online and signed in while checking whether the selected preferences become available.
The Tool Desk
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Open Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings and turn off the main sync control or the individual categories you no longer want synced. This controls Windows settings sync on that device; files in OneDrive and browser data in Edge have separate controls.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Do I need the same Microsoft account on both PCs?
Yes. Use the same Microsoft account on each device for account-backed settings to be available across them. A local account is specific to one device.
Does Windows 10 settings sync include my files?
No. Use OneDrive to sync selected files and folders. The Windows settings control syncs selected preferences, not documents or pictures.
Does settings sync move installed apps to a new PC?
No. Settings sync is not a full PC migration and does not clone installed apps and their complete configurations. Microsoft directs users to Windows Backup and Restore for moving to a new PC.
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How do I sync Edge data?
Use Microsoft Edge’s separate Settings > Profiles > Sync controls and choose the browser data categories you want.
Why is “Sync your settings” missing?
Check that you are using Windows 10 and are signed in with a Microsoft account. Work or school policies may also restrict syncing; contact your administrator if the controls are unavailable.
The Bottom Line
On Windows 10, open Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings, turn on the settings sync control and select the categories you want. Use the same Microsoft account on each device. OneDrive files, Edge browser data, and new-PC transfer are separate features.
Quick Recap
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