How can I sync SkyDrive/OneDrive on Windows 8.1 when signing in to PC with local account?

Question

I have previously asked how I can install, or upgrade to, Windows 8.1, without using a Microsoft account, because "I like to keep things separate, and just logon with a tradional local account. Any apps that require me to sign-in with my Live account, will have to prompt me to sign-in".

Until now, I never got around to connect my Windows 8.1 PCs to my OneDrive (formerly known as SkyDrive), which is now baked in to Windows 8.1. Unfortunately, it's apparently no longer possible to use OneDrive, when signing on to PC with a local account:

I can only download the application for Windows Vista, 7 or 8. Attempting to run the installed on Windows 8.1 just displays a windows with the text "Preparing OneDrive for first use" for a while, then exits without allowing me to sign-in.

Just to clarify: I'm of course aware that I would need to sign-in to OneDrive with my Microsoft account, I just much prefer signing in to the application, instead of my PC.

Considering how Microsoft went out of their way, to make it almost impossible to install Windows 8.1 without a Microsoft account, is there some (covoluted) way to make OneDrive sync, without forcing me to sign in with a bloody Microsoft account? How?

Answer 1

Use the tool syncDriver to use OneDrive under Windows 8.1 when you use a local account:

Answer 2

The official OneDrive app for Windows 7 and older works for 8.1 as well, even with a local account. It looks like it supports multiple accounts and folders.

The only issue I had was that the installer didn't create a shortcut or open it. I had to launch it myself from %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive

Download it here: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/OneDrive-desktop-app-for-Windows-850703dd-ea56-4c7a-bff5-6c2e4da227cf

Answer 3

Here's a possible solution without using any third party and that works for any OS (including Linux/Mac).

1. Open OneDrive on your browser
2. Right-click on the File link at the left menu and copy the link
3. The url contains a &cid=XXXXX part, the code XXXXX is your ID that you need later
4. Open File Explorer (Windows Explorer), right-click My Computer and choose Map Network Drive
5. Add https://d.docs.live.net/XXXXX as the Folder (changing XXXXX with your CID)
6. Put your credentials and a Network folder is added to your computer

Obs.: If you have two-factor auth you need to create an app password at https://account.live.com/proofs/AppPassword

source: https://www.ghacks.net/2013/11/09/access-skydrive-windows-8-1-using-local-accounts/

Answer 4

I have had the same problem but use a very useful backup program (Goodsync) for all of my backups and will also sync any folder (or folders) with any Cloud storage, including onedrive, idrive, goodledrive etc. It has the unique option of syncing from either side to the other, as a backup, or both sides in the same way that that onedrive syncs. This way you keep your local sign-on to windows.

Answer 5

Found a solution that worked for me here.

SO the solution was to do the following and it seems to be working properly now on 2016. No need to roll back to one drive for business 2013

1.Accessed Control Panel > Selected the Microsoft Office Subscription > right clicked > change > Selected Online Repair

2.Removed all the stored credentials in the credentials manager (control panel > credentials manager)

3. Restarted the computer

4. Deleted the folder's below:

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\Spw

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OfficeFileCache

5. Sign in Word (opened blank document > file > account > signed out and signed in office 365 account)

6. Started OneDrive for Business. ( from the search bar typed OneDrive for Business> clicked on the app > sync a different library instead pasted the url of the team site “Public documents” > sync now