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I do NOT want to use One Drive, but I need to sync desktop and laptop

Susan Almy 20 Reputation points
2025-12-15T20:36:57.77+00:00

I want to sync my two computers again (Dell desktop and laptop), but the only way they offer is to continuously use One Drive. My desktop is made up of multiple topic folders, and it's how I think. All of a sudden I am not synced with the laptop, which I use with work in progress and outside the home. I hate One Drive because I cannot tell that it has seized control of the computer and taken work I'm doing and sticks it ONLY in One Drive, and I can't figure out where it went. I have 55 years of computer experience and I am still working - I need sync!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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  1. Lucky 5,545 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-15T21:40:36.2566667+00:00

    Hi Susan Almy, I can feel how frustrating this must be for you—having your workflow disrupted after years of doing things a certain way is not just inconvenient it’s a real productivity hit.

    Syncthing is a free open source tool that securely syncs folders between your computers in real time no cloud just your devices. Install it on both PCs link them with a device ID choose your folders and you’re done.

    Do you want a solution that works automatically in the background or would you prefer something you can control manually each time you sync?

    Best regards

    Lucky

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-15T20:37:09.79+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    If you prefer not to use OneDrive for syncing between your Dell desktop and laptop, you have several alternatives:

    1. Local Network Sync: You can set up a local network share between your two computers. This allows you to access files on one computer from the other without using cloud services. You can create shared folders and manually copy files back and forth.
    2. Third-Party Sync Software: Consider using third-party synchronization tools such as SyncBack, FreeFileSync, or GoodSync. These applications can synchronize files between multiple devices without relying on cloud storage.
    3. External Storage Devices: Use USB flash drives or external hard drives to manually transfer files between your desktop and laptop.
    4. Windows File History: If you are using Windows 11, you can set up File History to back up your files to an external drive. While this is not real-time syncing, it can help you keep copies of your files up to date.
    5. Direct Cable Connection: If you have a crossover Ethernet cable, you can connect the two computers directly and transfer files between them.

    These options allow you to maintain control over your files without relying on OneDrive.

  2. Susan Almy 20 Reputation points
    2025-12-15T20:44:08.47+00:00

    Why couldn't you just allow the prior working system to continue for those of us that depended on it? Do you realize how inefficient making all of us do workarounds is? One Drive grabs documents and spreadsheets I was spending a lot of time perfecting, ant removes it from my computer to One Drive without telling me. Then when I come back to work on it, it's gone - and I sometimes spend hours reconstructing before realizing what happened. My computer is my workplace!

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