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PROBLEM OF THE FORTNIGHT
Can I back up two PCs to a single OneDrive account?
Q I have activated OneDrive to back up the folders and files on my Windows 10 desktop PC (using my E: drive as the OneDrive location). I’d now like to back up the folders and files on my Windows 10 laptop to that same OneDrive account, but keep them separate from the desktop PC backup. The laptop has separate user accounts for my wife and I. Is it possible to do that?
Paul Millington
A Microsoft does talk up the backup aspects of OneDrive, so plenty of people consider the system in those terms. However, OneDrive is really more of a synchronisation tool that has the added benefit of keeping copies of everything that’s synced in one place. In other words, it’s designed to keep the personal files and folders on two or more machines in sync, rather than maintaining distinct archives for multiple machines with different content. The one-stop backup of everything is in effect a by-product of that.
Each OneDrive account is tied to a single Microsoft account. In that regard, at least, your and your wife’s stuff is – and will continue to be – kept completely separately. When you log into Windows, you’ll see your OneDrive and its content; when your wife logs in, she’ll see hers. Even on the same PC, these two OneDrive folders will be distinct – and never the twain shall meet.
But configuring a single OneDrive account to maintain distinct archives for content on two (or more) PCs is challenging. You can make use of the system’s ability to selectively sync chosen folders so that only some appear on one PC and not the other, and vice versa.
To do this, first right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar’s notification area, then click the cog icon before clicking Settings. Next, on the Account), and then use the tick boxes to indicate which you do or not not want on each PC.
