


Today’s Question: I’d like to add an important note about Backblaze. With a recent update, Backblaze is unable to back up files that are stored in OneDrive. This appears to be an issue even if files are removed from OneDrive, as they are flagged by OneDrive if they were ever stored there.
Tim’s Quick Answer: While there are published workarounds for this issue, it doesn’t appear to have been completely fixed. Therefore, if you store files in OneDrive that aren’t being backed up through other means, you may want to find an alternative to Backblaze.
More Detail: I’m still working on getting more complete information about this issue, but since it affects the reliability of the Backblaze backup, I wanted to get the information I do have to my readers.
The primary issue seems to be caused by changes made to OneDrive, which limit the ability to ensure files are always stored locally. In other words, OneDrive uses cloud-based storage as the primary storage location for files, which means they may not be present on your local computer. Therefore, those files would not be visible to Backblaze, and as a result can’t be backed up.
Backblaze includes a purported fix for Windows users on their website, but I have seen indications that the fix doesn’t actually work. Similarly, a suggested solution for Macintosh users is inaccurate, and I have confirmed that Backblaze is not backing up most OneDrive files on Macintosh. For reference, the Windows-based information can be found on the Backblaze website here:
https://www.backblaze.com/computer-backup/docs/back-up-onedrive-windows
The reader who shared this information with me had done some research on alternatives that enable you to back up OneDrive files. One solution allows you to back up directly from OneDrive cloud-based storage rather than only from your computer. That is pCloud, which you can learn more about here:
https://www.pcloud.com/cloud-storage-pricing-plans.html?period=year
Note that pCloud offers plans that are priced based on a storage capacity limit, rather than the unlimited storage offered by other services such as Backblaze. However, it does include some other helpful benefits, including being back to back up from cloud-based storage such as OneDrive.
I will continue trying to get more definitive information related to this issue and will publish an update when I’m able to get those details.