Microsoft’s newly released SkyDrive client for Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems lets SkyDrive users to easily view, manage, and upload files to your SkyDrive account. The service offers 7GB free space to new users and 25GB free space for loyal SkyDrive users.
By default, the SkyDrive setup creates a folder in C:\Users\UserName (C is your Windows installation drive) directory. Whenever you move or drag-and-drop a file to the SkyDrive folder, it will automatically sync with the cloud, and a copy will be available in the folder for offline access. Now the problem is that if you have very little free space on your Windows drive, you won’t be able to sync large files.
While the setup allows you to change the default location of the SkyDrive folder during the installation, the chances are that you have proceeded with the default location. If you want to change the default location after setting up the account, you need to follow the instructions given below.
Procedure:
Step 1: Do a right-click on the SkyDrive application icon in the system tray and click Settings to open the Microsoft SkyDrive settings dialog box.
Step 2: Switch to the About tab. Here, you will see the Unlink SkyDrive button. By unlinking SkyDrive, your files will no longer be kept up-to-date with your SkyDrive account. That is, you are logging out of the SkyDrive. Worry not!
Step 3: Click On the Unlink SkyDrive button. This action will open the SkyDrive client setup screen. Please make sure that the client isn’t uploading files to the cloud.
Step 4: Click on the Get Started button. In the following screen, enter your Windows Live ID and password to log in.
Step 5: In the next screen, you will be given an option to change the SkyDrive default location. Click on the Change button to select the location you wish and click the Next button. Click the Next button and finally click the Done button to finish the setup.
You are done! The client will connect to the cloud and download all files. You can now delete the old SkyDrive folder located in the default location.
M Mostafa says
Very helpful.. Thanks!
Gene LeGrande Hickman Jr. says
After using the instructions above was able to move my Skydrive folder where I wanted it to go. But I cannot delete the old inactive Skydrive folder! How do I do this?
Gary Turner says
This still creates a folder called \skydrive.
I wish to use an existing folder called \admin where all of my important files are located. Can do in dropbox.
GUY DE BYL says
many thanx.. i pondered as to how to achieve what you describe.
JohnMcclain77 says
Exactly what I was looking for.
Dan says
I tried to change the default location as described above with no success. I want the Skydrive folder to be located on an external drive; it appears that Skydrive wants to use a local drive. Google Drive works fine in this regard.
Polaq says
I needed this. Thanks!