14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has announced a new OneDrive feature called Known Folder Move that makes it possible to automatically have data stored in known folders transferred to OneDrive.
Folders like Desktop, Documents, and Pictures can be uploaded to the cloud in the background with no disruption in productivity, making it possible for users to have the data moved to OneDrive and then synced back on other devices with no interaction.
This means content in the known folders becomes available from all devices where a user is logged in with the same account.
Microsoft says this feature will become available for insiders as soon as this week, while the first customers will see it in a few days. Known Folder Move will be available for all users by the end of July.
Dedicated options for IT admins
The company explains that IT admins can set up group policies to require users in the network to configure Known Folder Move and have data automatically moved to OneDrive.
IT admins are provided with further options for their users, including silent redirection of Windows known folders to OneDrive and preventing users from redirecting the Windows known folders. The first of them makes it possible to move data to OneDrive without any notification sent to users when the process is complete.
“This setting lets you redirect your users' Documents, Picture, and Desktop folders to OneDrive without user interaction. This policy works when all known folders are empty, and on folders redirected to a different OneDrive account. We recommend using this policy together with "Prompt users to move Windows known folders to OneDrive,’” Microsoft explains.
Known Folder Move works with those Windows versions that are still getting updates from Microsoft, like Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. Obviously, Windows XP is not supported since this OS version reached end-of-life in April 2014.