Why do we need one-way file synchronization?
Overview of one-way file synchronization
File synchronization is divided into one-way file synchronization and two-way file synchronization. Unidirectional file synchronization refers to synchronizing files and folders that can only be changed in one direction.
In the one-way file synchronization process, you need to select two locations, one is the source directory and the other is the target directory. For example, if you change files in the source directory, you can synchronize them to the target directory. However, if you change files in the target directory, you will not be able to synchronize the changed files from the target directory to the source directory.
- Reasons for setting up one-way file synchronization
Computers are essential tools in both our lives and work. And we will use it frequently. For example, in a work team, we can create a shared folder on our computer and use it to synchronize files between Windows servers so that all of us can see public files and folders. And the folder needs to always be kept up-to-date. Only in this way can each user see newer files in a timely manner and run well.
To keep the file up-to-date, you can choose to synchronize the file. This operation can meet your needs without affecting work efficiency.
How to set up one-way file synchronization in Windows 7/8/10?
Now, we should discuss how to set up one-way file synchronization in Windows. The following are the detailed steps:
- Access the synchronization center. You can navigate to Start Menu>Control Panel>Sync Center to open the Sync Center homepage.
- Enable offline files and activate them. You can click on Manage Offline Files and Enable Offline Files, then restart your computer to activate Offline Files. If the computer is not restarted, offline files cannot be activated and this feature cannot be used.
- Synchronize offline files. Subsequently, you can go to “Computer and Network Location”, right-click on the mapped network drive (such as R: Drive), and select “Always available offline”. If you only want to synchronize the specified offline files, you can select the file or folder in the mapped network drive, then right-click it or select the “Always available offline” option.
Sync Center
- Check your offline files. You can open the Sync Center and click to view your offline files in the following window. Alternatively, you can access offline files through the “Offline Files” folder.
Sync Center Settings
The synchronization center is very useful, especially when you want to synchronize offline files between the network and your computer. But it still has some limitations. Offline files need to always be available offline. If not, it cannot be synchronized. In addition, the synchronization center can only synchronize files between the network and computers. If you want to synchronize files with other storage devices, the synchronization center will not work properly.
Therefore, it is recommended that you try the useful file synchronization software – Aomei Easy Backup.
Advanced methods for achieving one-way file synchronization in Windows 7/8/10
- Click the button below to download Aomei Easy Backup, install and run it. In the main interface, click “Sync”, then right-click to select “Basic Sync”.
Free download
Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
File synchronization function
- Click to add folder; You will see a pop-up window, selecting the directory to synchronize.
Add synchronization directory
- Choose the target path, which can be a USB drive or synchronized to a share/NAS
Select synchronization path
- Click on the schedule to set the synchronization mode for daily, weekly, or monthly.
Set scheduled tasks
- Click Start Sync to run the task immediately or at the next scheduled time.
Kind reminder:
In Planned Tasks ->Advanced, by default, the option to perform missed synchronization on the next system startup will be selected.
Using the “Filter Settings” option, certain files can be included/excluded during the synchronization process
You can edit the task name to distinguish it.
summary
In short, the synchronization center and Aomei can easily backup and synchronize files. But they are different. If you want to synchronize offline files between the network and computers, you can use the Sync Center. However, if you want more advanced features or synchronize files between various storage devices, you can upgrade to Aomei Easy Backup VIP. In addition to file synchronization function, Easy Backup also provides more backup functions, such as system backup, disk backup, file backup, etc.
