Redirect Windows known folders to OneDrive

When moving from Windows 7 to Windows 10, a lot must be taken into consideration. One of the main tasks is getting user data migrated seamlessly without having the need to invest in additional infrastructure. Until now, USMT in SCCM has been the favorite method of migrating user's data but it does require a considerable amount of setup and configuration if not already adopted.

Starting CB 1902, Configuration Manager can be leveraged to move Windows known folders to OneDrive for Business. These folders include Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. This is especially helpful if an organization already has a policy of directing users to use these folders to manage their data. Even if there isn't one, organizations can adopt a policy to redirect users to start using these folders to future proof their data.

There are two primary advantages of moving or redirecting Windows known folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Screenshots, and Camera Roll) to OneDrive for Business for the users in your domain:

1.     Your users can continue using the folders they're familiar with. They don't have to change their daily work habits to save files to OneDrive.

2.     Saving files to OneDrive backs up your users' data in the cloud and gives them access to their files from any device.

So how does it work?

As part of preparation for a migration to Windows 10, there are some prerequisites which need to be addressed.

1.     Keep your Office 365 Tenant ID handy

Ø  Sign in to the Azure Active Directory Admin Center as a global or user management admin.

Ø  Navigate to Manage, select Properties. The tenant ID is shown in the Directory ID box.

2.     Deploy the OneDrive sync client version 18.111.0603.0004 or later using Configuration manager.

Next step is to deploy following set of settings to Windows 7.

1.     In the Configuration Manager console, go to the Assets and Compliance workspace, expand Compliance Settings, and select the OneDrive for Business Profiles node.

2.     In the ribbon, select Create OneDrive for Business Profile.

3.     Specify a name to identify this policy and select Next.

4.     On the Settings page:

          4.1 Specify your Office 365 tenant ID.

4.2  Select one of the following options to move the known folders to OneDrive:

                - Prompt users to move Windows known folders to OneDrive:

                 

Ø  With this option, the user sees a wizard to move their files. If they choose to postpone or decline moving their folders, OneDrive periodically reminds them.                                                                        

-        Silently move Windows known folders to OneDrive:

Ø  When this policy applies to the device, the OneDrive client automatically redirects the known folders to OneDrive for Business.

                              Show notification to users after folders have been redirected:

Ø  If you enable this option, the OneDrive client notifies the user after it moves their folders.

-        Prevent users from redirecting their Windows known folders back to their PC:

Ø  Disables the option in OneDrive for Business on the client for users to move these folders back to the device.

      5. Complete the wizard, then deploy the policy.