Developer & Coffee Roaster

Scott Fell

IT Professional

Albert Widjaja

philsimmons

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I concur with Jazz that those lnk files are most likely shortcuts that are not needed.<br><br>Since you said, "...and keep many critical frequently used documents on my Desktop &nbsp;..." that does make sense as to what is happening.<br><br>Keeping your files on your desktop, however, is not a good choice. Too many files on the desktop can slow things down and as you can see, causes issues with sync. You are better off keeping the files in your OneDrive folder. &nbsp;I know that people like to keep files on the desktop because it gives the feeling of being able to find files fast. I would suggest utilizing your quick access in Windows File Explorer. &nbsp;If you have folders burred in your OneDrive folder under something like Clients &gt; Client Name &gt; 2021. &nbsp;Maybe you have hundreds of clients but you are currently working with just three where you need to get to their stuff quickly. In File Explorer, go to that sub folder, right click and select, Pin To Quick Access. This way you an find those files fast and you will not have your desktop stuff up.<br><br><blockquote>don't particularly want my local files in the Cloud (other than as a backup). &nbsp;</blockquote>Well, you can't have it both ways. Typically, we think of backing up every X hour / day / week / month etc. With OneDrive (Or Google Drive or Dropbox) you are getting instant continual back up. &nbsp;One of the bonus features, that hopefully you only rarely need to use, is version history <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2017/07/19/expanding-onedrive-version-history-support-file-types/" rel="ugc">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2017/07/19/expanding-onedrive-version-history-support-file-types/</a>&nbsp; Every time a document is saved, there should be a history of each version. If you do an oops and can't recover, perhaps you deleted or wiped out all the text. &nbsp;Go to the cloud version of your OneDrive and view the version history to restore. I have Dropbox and OneDrive and this has saved me.<br><br>There is a trade off for convenience and security. &nbsp;As long as your are not using your pets name for your password you are pretty safe.<br><br>In the end, I believe those files are shortcuts on your desktop that do not have permission to sync. I would look at your one drive and see if your desktop files are syncing and if you don't want them to that is fine. If you do, you can fix it. <br><br>Right clicking on your OneDrive settings in your tray will open up your settings with options for how you want to sync or if you want to sync al all.<br><br>&nbsp;
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i just keep away from internet storage - i keep all data on my PC
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Thank you for your swift and comprehensive responses.
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<div class="content wysiwyg-content fr-view">
<div><a href="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2021/09_w39/1573154/OneDrive-Image.jpg" rel="ugc"><img src="https://filedb.experts-exchange.com/incoming/2021/09_w39/1573154/OneDrive-Image.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a><div class="content wysiwyg-content fr-view"><p>I run Windows 10, and keep many critical frequently used documents on my Desktop (with regular backups to removable media). &nbsp;When I just got my new computer (also Windows 10) the "Desktop" that is available seems to be the "Desktop" on OneDrive (which I believe is in the Cloud). &nbsp;I've never used OneDrive, and don't particularly want my local files in the Cloud (other than as a backup). &nbsp;Meanwhile, I constantly get a notification that there were Sync issues with OneDrive (see attached image). &nbsp;What exactly is One Drive?&nbsp; Do I need it?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div></div>
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OneDrive-Image.jpg


I run Windows 10, and keep many critical frequently used documents on my Desktop (with regular backups to removable media).  When I just got my new computer (also Windows 10) the "Desktop" that is available seems to be the "Desktop" on OneDrive (which I believe is in the Cloud).  I've never used OneDrive, and don't particularly want my local files in the Cloud (other than as a backup).  Meanwhile, I constantly get a notification that there were Sync issues with OneDrive (see attached image).  What exactly is One Drive?  Do I need it?  

Issues with One Drive

Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system featuring the "universal application architecture" (UAP); apps can be designed to run across multiple devices with nearly identical code, including PCs, tablets, smartphones, embedded systems, Xbox One, Surface Hub and HoloLens. Windows 10 also includes a virtual desktop system, a window and desktop management feature called Task View, the Microsoft Edge web browser, support for fingerprint and face recognition login, voice-based search (Cortana), new security features for enterprise environments, and DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0 to improve the operating system's graphics capabilities for games.

Windows 10

This topic area includes legacy versions of Windows prior to Windows 2000: Windows 3/3.1, Windows 95 and Windows 98, plus any other Windows-related versions including Windows Mobile.

Windows OS

A desktop computer is a personal computer designed for use at a single location due to its size and power requirements, usually by one person. The most common configuration has a case that houses the power supply, motherboard, disk storage (usually one or more hard disk drives and optical disc drives); a keyboard and mouse for input; and computer monitor and printer for output. The case may be oriented horizontally and placed atop a desk or vertically and placed underneath or beside a desk.

Desktops

Microsoft OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) is a file hosting service and synchronization service operated by Microsoft as part of its web version of Office. First launched in August 2007, OneDrive allows users to store files and personal data like Windows settings or BitLocker recovery keys in the cloud, share files, and sync files across Android, Windows Phone, and iOS mobile devices, Windows and macOS computers, and the Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X and S consoles. Users can upload Microsoft Office documents to OneDrive.