How to restore files from OneDrive on a new PC

Learn how to sync and restore your files from OneDrive to a new Windows PC efficiently. Follow these steps to ensure your data is accessible immediately.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.