OneDrive Known Folder Move

Known Folder Move (KFM) is the OneDrive feature that redirects a user's Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders into their OneDrive. Once it's on, those folders sync to the cloud — so files are backed up, available on other devices, and not stranded on a single laptop.

Why it's important

Many users never think about where they save files. Without KFM, files end up scattered across C:\Users\ folders, USB sticks, and old laptops. With KFM, the default Save dialog still points to "Documents" — but those documents are now syncing to OneDrive automatically.

The practical benefits:

• Device loss protection: a wiped or stolen laptop loses nothing of value.
• Device migration: signing in on a new laptop pulls everything back.
• Multi-device experience: same files on home and work machines, on iPad, on phone.
• Backup story: files are recoverable from OneDrive's version history and recycle bin.

How to deploy it

KFM is configured via policy, either Group Policy (OneDrive.admx) or Intune configuration profiles. The relevant settings:

• Silently move Windows known folders to OneDrive — moves Desktop, Documents, Pictures on first sign-in without user prompts.
• Prompt users to move Windows known folders to OneDrive — surfaces a one-click prompt.
• Prevent users from redirecting their known folders to their PC — locks the choice so users can't undo it.

For Mac, the OneDrive client supports folder backup of Desktop, Documents, and Photos via configuration profiles delivered through Intune or Jamf.

What KFM doesn't cover

• Files outside Desktop, Documents, and Pictures.
• AppData, custom application data folders, browser bookmarks.
• Network mapped drives.

For wider coverage, pair KFM with OneDrive sync for shared libraries, browser sync in Edge for bookmarks and passwords, and Roaming Profile / Enterprise State Roaming in Entra ID for some Windows settings.

Common pitfalls

• Existing files clash: if a user already has files in Documents and there are duplicates in OneDrive, the merge can produce conflicts. Cleanup before KFM helps.
• OneDrive storage quota: if a user has 50 GB on their desktop, they need at least that much in OneDrive.
• Outlook PST files: still don't sync well over OneDrive — exclude.

KFM is one of the highest-impact, lowest-friction wins in a Microsoft 365 rollout. Turn it on early.