How to restore files from OneDrive on a new PC

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Sign in to OneDrive

   Click the Start button and type OneDrive. Select the OneDrive app from the search results to launch the setup wizard. Enter your Microsoft account email and password when prompted to initiate the connection to the cloud.

   Note: If OneDrive is not installed, download the client directly from the official Microsoft website.
2. 1 min

   Choose backup folders

   During the initial setup, you will see a window titled Back up your folders. Select the checkboxes for Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to ensure these system locations are mapped to your OneDrive cloud storage.

   Note: Selecting these folders will automatically move their contents to the cloud and keep them synced across devices.
3. 30 sec

   Initialize synchronization

   Click Start backup to begin downloading your file metadata. OneDrive will create local placeholders for your files, which will download fully as you access them.

   Note: Files marked with a blue cloud icon are stored online; double-click them to download them to your local storage.
4. 1 min

   Adjust sync settings

   Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar notification area. Select the Gear icon and choose Settings to refine which subfolders are synced to your new PC.

   Note: Use the Choose folders button to exclude specific large directories to save local disk space.
5. 30 sec

   Confirm file status

   Open File Explorer and navigate to the OneDrive folder in the sidebar. Verify that your documents and media appear with the appropriate green checkmark status indicators.

   Note: A solid green checkmark indicates the file is permanently stored on your local drive.