Troubleshooting OneDrive: How Automatic Syncing Can Cause Problems for PC Gamers
In today’s digital age, cloud storage has become an integral part of our lives. Services like Microsoft’s OneDrive offer convenient ways to store and access files across multiple devices. However, for PC gamers who frequently switch devices, OneDrive’s automatic syncing feature can be a major headache. In this article, we will explore the conflicts that arise when using OneDrive for PC gaming and discuss potential solutions to these problems.
The main issue with OneDrive and PC gaming lies in the syncing of the documents folder. When you sign into your Microsoft account on a new PC, OneDrive automatically syncs this folder, which can cause conflicts when moving between devices. These conflicts can lock you out of adjusting game settings or even prevent you from playing certain games altogether.
To illustrate this problem, let’s take the example of Red Dead Redemption 2. Regardless of where you bought the game, it requires the Rockstar Launcher to work. The settings for this launcher are stored in your documents folder, which is automatically synced with OneDrive. When you try to launch the game on a different PC, the Rockstar Launcher hangs due to the settings file already stored in OneDrive. This prevents you from playing the game unless you delete the launcher, settings folder in both OneDrive and locally, quit OneDrive, and reinstall the launcher.
Another example involves Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. When attempting to benchmark the game on the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, the graphics settings wouldn’t apply. After troubleshooting for 30 minutes and reinstalling the game, it was discovered that a settings file synced to OneDrive was overwriting the changes made to the settings.
While these problems have straightforward solutions, they can be frustrating and time-consuming to troubleshoot. The issue isn’t unique to OneDrive; any cloud storage service that syncs game settings files can lead to conflicts. However, OneDrive’s automatic syncing on Windows exacerbates the problem. Users may not even realize that the conflicts are related to OneDrive, making it difficult to identify the root cause.
Microsoft has a history of pushing its apps on Windows users, and OneDrive is no exception. Alongside OneDrive, Microsoft Edge, the Microsoft Store, and the Xbox app are all examples of this push. The situation with OneDrive is unique because it can cause significant problems that aren’t always easy to troubleshoot. While it’s commendable that Microsoft includes its cloud storage service on PCs, it should be an opt-in feature rather than opt-out.
Fortunately, there are ways to opt out of OneDrive syncing your files across multiple devices. You can block OneDrive from starting when you boot your PC by opening the OneDrive folder in File Explorer and selecting “Unlink this PC” under Account settings. Additionally, you can search for “Startup apps” in the Windows search bar and uncheck the box for Microsoft OneDrive. These steps provide two layers of protection to prevent syncing if you don’t want it.
It’s worth noting that you can also exclude specific files and folders from syncing through the OneDrive settings menu. However, this process may be too cumbersome for most PC gamers.
If you’re experiencing strange issues with your PC games, particularly with external launchers and settings files, don’t overlook the potential involvement of OneDrive or any other cloud storage service. Taking precautions to avoid syncing conflicts can save you a significant amount of troubleshooting time and frustration.
In conclusion, while OneDrive offers convenient cloud storage for PC users, its automatic syncing feature can cause problems for PC gamers. By understanding the conflicts that arise and taking steps to opt out of syncing or exclude specific files, gamers can avoid unnecessary headaches and enjoy a seamless gaming experience across multiple devices.
