OneDrive Backup Versus Using OneDrive for Backup, Even Though OneDrive Isn’t Backup

Summary

This video clarifies the common confusion surrounding OneDrive and its role in backup. Leo Notenboom explains that while OneDrive is a file synchronization tool, it isn't a true backup solution. He highlights the risks associated with Microsoft's 'backup' feature, which can lead to data loss if not properly understood. Notenboom offers a safer approach by combining OneDrive's synchronization with external image backups and advises users to carefully control OneDrive settings. The video aims to help viewers understand how to effectively use OneDrive without falling into the pitfalls of data loss.

Takeaways

• 😀 OneDrive is primarily a file synchronization tool, not a backup service. It mirrors changes across devices.
• 😀 Changes made in OneDrive folders are reflected both locally and on the cloud, including file deletions, which could result in data loss.
• 😀 Microsoft’s ‘backup’ feature in OneDrive is misleading. It moves folders like Documents, Pictures, and Desktop into the OneDrive folder for synchronization.
• 😀 The OneDrive ‘backup’ feature can be risky because it doesn't check for available storage space, potentially leading to data loss if you exceed your cloud storage capacity.
• 😀 If you disable the OneDrive ‘backup’ feature, any files moved into OneDrive will not automatically revert to their original locations, which may cause data loss.
• 😀 Using OneDrive for actual backups can work for near-continuous file syncing but should not be relied on as a long-term, complete backup solution.
• 😀 A true backup strategy should involve creating full image backups to an external drive and incremental backups to ensure data protection.
• 😀 OneDrive's sync feature only protects files as long as they’re within the OneDrive folder, and it is not a substitute for proper backup methods.
• 😀 If you want to avoid OneDrive's backup feature, store important files outside of the OneDrive folder to prevent accidental synchronization.
• 😀 Microsoft strongly pushes the OneDrive backup feature, but it is better to avoid using it due to its potential for confusion and data loss.
• 😀 For a solid backup approach, use external drives for full and incremental backups while using OneDrive for file synchronization with proper precautions.

Q & A

What is the primary function of OneDrive?

OneDrive is primarily a file synchronization tool. It keeps files in sync between your PC and OneDrive online by reflecting any changes made in either location.

Why is it incorrect to call OneDrive a backup solution?

OneDrive is not a true backup solution because it only syncs files between devices. If a file is deleted or changed in one location, it is reflected in the other, meaning it doesn't protect against data loss.

What is the risk when using OneDrive’s file synchronization as a backup method?

The risk is that OneDrive only mirrors files. If something happens to your original file (e.g., deletion or corruption), it will be reflected across all synced devices, causing data loss.

What is the 'OneDrive Backup' feature, and why is it problematic?

The 'OneDrive Backup' feature automatically moves important folders (Documents, Pictures, Desktop) into OneDrive. This is problematic because it can lead to data loss if you exceed your storage limit or turn off the feature without moving files back.

What happens if you lose access to your OneDrive account?

If your Microsoft account is compromised, a hacker could delete everything in your OneDrive, and since OneDrive synchronizes with your PC, all the files would be deleted on your computer as well, causing data loss.

What is the recommended approach to using OneDrive as part of a backup strategy?

The recommended approach is to use OneDrive for file synchronization only, while relying on additional tools like Macrium Reflect for creating full and incremental image backups to an external drive.

What type of backup tools should be used for a complete backup strategy?

Tools like Macrium Reflect or ESUS To Do are recommended for creating full image backups and daily incremental backups to an external drive for better protection against data loss.

What are the risks of enabling the OneDrive 'backup' feature on Windows?

Enabling this feature can cause confusion, as it moves important folders into OneDrive, potentially exceeding your online storage and risking data loss if you turn off the feature. It can also unintentionally sync files you didn’t want in OneDrive.

What should users do to avoid issues with OneDrive’s 'backup' feature?

Users should avoid turning on OneDrive's 'backup' feature and instead manually store files in OneDrive’s folder only if they want synchronization, not as a backup.

How can users protect their data without relying on OneDrive for backup?

Users can protect their data by creating regular full image backups to an external drive, using backup software, and storing work in non-OneDrive folders to prevent unintentional synchronization.