I’m trying to add a second OneDrive account to my File Explorer, but I’m running into issues. I need to keep work and personal files separate. I followed some online guides, but they didn’t work for me. Can anyone walk me through the correct steps or point out what I might be doing wrong? Thanks!
Adding a second OneDrive account in File Explorer can be a bit tricky. First off, make sure you have logged out of both accounts and then try logging back into your main account. After that, follow these steps:
- Open OneDrive from the taskbar.
- Click on ‘Help & Settings’ and choose ‘Settings.’
- Switch to the ‘Account’ tab.
- Click on ‘Add an account’ and follow the prompts to add your second OneDrive account.
If that doesn’t work, you might run into problems because Windows officially allows only one personal and one business OneDrive account at a time. This means sometimes both cannot be from the same type, like two personal accounts.
Have you considered using third-party software to manage your cloud accounts more flexibly? Something like CloudMounter lets you connect multiple cloud storage accounts seamlessly. It supports a variety of cloud services and can help you keep your work and personal files organized in one convenient place without the hassles of syncing issues. This stuff can make your life a whole lot easier.
In case the above doesn’t work, another method is to create different user profiles on your PC for each OneDrive account. This way, each profile will sync with its own OneDrive account, yet you can switch between them without conflicts.
Lastly, remember to always install the latest updates for OneDrive and Windows, as outdated software can often be the root cause of these issues. Hope these tips help!
It sounds like you’ve run into a snag trying to add that second OneDrive account. While the advice from @techchizkid is solid, let’s consider some alternative angles to tackle this issue.
First, double-check that both of your OneDrive accounts aren’t set to compete for the same directory or path on your system. This can often lead to confusion in synchronization.
Another tip is to use the OneDrive app itself. Sometimes, it’s easier to manage these multiple accounts via the app rather than through File Explorer. The trick here would be to open the OneDrive app and follow the steps:
- Go to the OneDrive settings.
- Navigate to ‘Help & Settings’ at the bottom right.
- Click ‘Settings’ and then switch over to the ‘Account’ tab.
- From this tab, choose the ‘Add an Account’ option.
Furthermore, you can also link the two OneDrive accounts indirectly by sharing folders between them. By sharing work folders with your personal account and vice versa, you won’t exactly need to add another account but still have access to necessary files. Just right-click the folder you want to share, select ‘Share,’ and enter the email address of your second OneDrive account.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more customization, consider using CloudMounter software. This tool allows you to link multiple cloud storage services seamlessly. It could streamline your workflow by integrating various accounts directly into your system without the typical sync struggles.
Do remember, consistent updates to Windows and OneDrive can sometimes mitigate these issues, so always ensure your software is up-to-date.
Lastly, another practical approach is to use different Windows user accounts for different OneDrive accounts. While this might sound cumbersome, it keeps your work and personal files distinctly separate and managed without much hassle.
For more comprehensive guidance, you can explore this how to add a second Onedrive account to File Explorer article. 
Consider a workaround for adding a second OneDrive account in File Explorer. An often-overlooked method is utilizing virtual machines (VMs). By setting up a VM, each VM instance can be logged into a different OneDrive account.
Pros:
- Segregation of data between accounts.
- No interference between sync processes.
Cons:
- Resource-intensive.
- Requires technical know-how for setup.
Competitors like @himmelsjager and @techchizkid suggested using OneDrive settings and different user profiles. Those are great but can be limited.
CloudMounter software is another neat alternative worth considering. This software bridges the gap by allowing multiple cloud storage accounts to be managed seamlessly from one interface.
Pros:
- Versatility in managing multiple cloud accounts.
- Easy integration with macOS, among others.
Cons:
- May incur additional costs.
- Learning curve for new users.
Additionally, CloudMounter’s competitors might provide similar functionalities, but the user interface and integration differ. Also, be mindful of potential sync inconsistencies and compatibility issues with non-native applications. It’s crucial to weigh these pros and cons before diving in.
Remember, no single solution fits all; experimenting with these methods could lead to the best approach tailored to your unique needs.