Questions about syncing between PC and laptop

I have an old PC that I've used for many years. I back my files up to an external HDD (DAS) Terramaster. I haven't had the need to use any backup software for this so far, but I'm thinking I'll need to soon as I accumulate more files.

This is all I've used for a long time. (I'm a bit of a noob).

However, I recently bought a laptop, and now I would like to be able to sync most of my folders and files that are on my PC with my laptop - in real time, so that both devices are always up to date. I can just grab my laptop, head to the library or cafe, and pick up writing a WORD document where I left off on my PC. In addition, I would also like to sync both devices to my external HDD, so that it too has a backup copy that is up to date in real time.

Windows 11 on both devices. I don't have Microsoft 365, I have Office 2019 stand alone perpetual licenses on both my laptop and PC.

Questions:
1. Can I do this kind of syncing using One Drive without Microsoft 365?
2. Would it be better to use a third party syncing app?
3. Can I sync / backup using my external HDD, or would I need a NAS?
4. Am I able to sync at both the file and folder level?

Thanks.

Yes, saving directly to OneDrive or Google Drive or other cloud service in any computer, you can resume working on the other. Documents are very small and should upload in seconds. For larger files such as photos or videos, give it some time to upload from one computer before trying to resume from the other. One other trick would be to use AnyDesk or similar utility to remotely access your PC from the laptop. So you keep working at your PC remotely.


PS: Free AnyDesk has a limit, I think 30 hours per month otherwise it might lock. For a free alternative without limit see RustDesk: Releases · rustdesk/rustdesk

spapakons said:

Yes, saving directly to OneDrive or Google Drive or other cloud service in any computer, you can resume working on the other. Documents are very small and should upload in seconds. For larger files such as photos or videos, give it some time to upload from one computer before trying to resume from the other. One other trick would be to use AnyDesk or similar utility to remotely access your PC from the laptop. So you keep working at your PC remotely.

Download the OneDrive App for PC, Mac, Android, or iOS – Microsoft OneDrive

Download and install the Microsoft OneDrive app for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android. Get OneDrive cloud storage to protect your files and access them across all your devices.

www.microsoft.com

Google Drive: Share Files Online with Secure Cloud Storage | Google Workspace

Learn about Google Drive’s file sharing platform that provides a personal, secure cloud storage option to share content with other users.

workspace.google.com

Remote Desktop Software for Windows | AnyDesk

Download AnyDesk for Windows to access and control your devices remotely with the best free remote desktop software tailored for seamless work.

anydesk.com

PS: Free AnyDesk has a limit, I think 30 hours per month otherwise it might lock. For a free alternative without limit see RustDesk: Releases · rustdesk/rustdesk

Click to expand...

Thanks. So I don't need Microsoft 365 to sync files with One Drive? That's good to know.

No, just download the desktop version of OneDrive and install it. You only need a Microsoft account to login and use it.

spapakons said:

No, just download the desktop version of OneDrive and install it. You only need a Microsoft account to login and use it.

Click to expand...

Already came with Windows 11.

For backups, I'm guessing I would have to have a NAS to sync in real time with my laptop and PC? Otherwise, if I use my external hard drive, I'd have to back it up manually?

If you login to OneDrive in both computers and save directly in OneDrive, it will save to the cloud and be instantly accessible from both.