To back up your Desktop and Documents folders to OneDrive while keeping local copies, open OneDrive settings, go to "Sync and backup," select "Manage backup," toggle on the Desktop and Documents folders, and then click "Save changes".
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Access OneDrive Settings:
Click on the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray (Windows notification area).
Select "Help & Settings" and then "Settings".
2. Navigate to Sync and Backup:
Go to the "Sync and backup" tab.
In Windows 11, select the "Sync and backup" category and then click the "Manage backup" button.
3. Manage Backup:
Click on "Manage backup".
4. Toggle Folders for Backup:
Toggle on the switches for the folders you want to back up (Desktop, Documents, and Pictures).
If a folder says "Not backed up," toggle it on.
5. Save Changes:
Click "Save changes".
6. (Optional) Always Keep on this Device (for local copies):
After OneDrive starts syncing, you can ensure you always have a local copy by right-clicking on a file or folder within your OneDrive folder in File Explorer and selecting "Always Keep on this Device".