How Do I Save Files to OneDrive without Syncing?

OneDrive is one of the most popular cloud storage options on the market. It allows you to backup files to OneDrive cloud, share files online, and collaborate and co-author in real-time. We all know that when you upload files to the OneDrive cloud, it will sync data back to the OneDrive folder on your PC so that you can access cloud files easily.

Syncing data locally makes it easy to obtain online files, but on the flip side, cloud data will take up a lot of space locally. If you accidentally deleted a file from the local folder, the cloud file will be removed as well. Can I backup to OneDrive without syncing? You can follow this guide to upload files to OneDrive without syncing locally.

How to Backup to OneDrive without Sync in 2 Methods

Yes, there are 2 solutions that you can use to upload to OneDrive without local copy. We recommend you use the first method, which relies on a free backup to OneDrive software. It is much simpler to operate, which requires you to unsync files manually. Let's see the detailed steps.

Way 1. Use CBackup to Backup to OneDrive without Sync

CBackup is a professional free cloud backup service that allows you to backup any data on your computer and external hard drives to OneDrive. Files backed up to OneDrive using this backup software will not be changed or deleted when you edit the local files.

♦ Its Backup feature allows you to use OneDrive as backup only, and it can backup computer to Google Drive, Dropbox, and other popular cloud servers for data restoration when needed.
♦ You can create a scheduled backup to OneDrive, in daily, weekly, or monthly mode, according to your needs.
♦ It offers a Sync function that enables you to keep files in computer and OneDrive (and other public clouds) always the same.

How to upload to OneDrive without syncing with this cloud backup tool? Here is an easy guide:

Step 1. Click the Download button below to install CBackup on your computer or laptop.

Step 2. Create an account for this tool for free and log in to the desktop app.

Step 3. Click on Storage on the left side and tap OneDrive to tap on Authorize Now and follow the on-screen instructions to sign in to OneDrive and grant CBackup access.

Notes:✎...

CBackup takes protecting user data privacy for granted. It is based on OAuth, which is an authorization framework that enables third-party applications to establish connections to cloud servers without saving a username and password.

Step 4. Go to the Backup tab and tap Backup to Public Cloud.

Step 5. Edit the task name if needed. Select the files and folders that you wish to back up to the cloud. Choose the added OneDrive account as the backup destination. Click Start Backup to save files to OneDrive without synchronization.

Other advanced features of CBackup:
» Provide cloud-to-cloud backup without downloading and uploading, like backup Google Drive to OneDrive.
» Offer File Filter to exclude unnecessary files for backup.
» Support unlimited version management for backup files.
» Restore file backups from OneDrive easily and without paying anything.

Way 2. Backup Files without Sync via OneDrive Files On-Demand

OneDrive Files On-Demand is a feature of its client that allows you to access all your files stored in the cloud from File Explorer without having to sync them directly or use storage space on your PC.

But you can only let OneDrive backup specific folders like Desktop, Documents, and Pictures with its desktop client. If you want to backup any folder to OneDrive with no synchronization, you should turn to the first method.

Step 1. Run the OneDrive desktop application. Right-click on the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area, click the gear button, and select Settings.

Step 2. Check Save space and download files as you use them under Files On-Demand in the Settings tab. Then, hit OK to confirm it.

Step 3. Head to the OneDrive folder on File Explorer and locate the files you do not want to sync locally, then Right-click it to choose Free up space.

Switch to a Professional Backup Service for Data Backup

The above explains 2 solutions on how to backup to OneDrive without syncing. Compared to using OneDrive as a backup tool for precious data, it is more recommended to use a professional cloud backup tool, which could be safer.

As a full-featured cloud backup service, CBackup not only provides data backup to third-party clouds but also supports you to save important data to its cloud (with 5GB free space). After you upload files to cloud, all data will be saved in the cloud safely. When needed, you can restore data from the cloud with a few clicks.

Step 1. Launch the CBackup desktop program and sign in.

Step 2. Click on Backup PC to cloud.

Step 3. Pick the wanted items and press the Start Backup position to save your files to the cloud securely.

The Bottom Line

This tutorial covers 2 methods to backup to OneDrive without sync. Since OneDrive is not a backup utility, but a synchronization tool, we strongly recommend you to backup files with professional cloud backup options like CBackup to protect your valuable data.