Run OneDrive as a Windows Service with FireDaemon Pro
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Install OneDrive
- Setup OneDrive to work with FireDaemon Pro
- Install FireDaemon Pro
- Managing OneDrive when running under FireDaemon Pro control
- Setup the OneDrive FireDaemon Pro Service
- Verify OneDrive is running correctly
Introduction
Microsoft OneDrive is a file hosting and synchronization service. It's useful for backing up files for safe off-site storage or to share files with others. OneDrive can be run as a Windows service using FireDaemon Pro. This allows you to start and run OneDrive automatically when Windows boots and before login. FireDaemon Fusion can also be used to manage your OneDrive service, plus other Windows services via your web browser.
[February 2025 Update] FireDaemon Pro 6 and OneDrive
FireDaemon Pro 6 runs OneDrive properly. We added a feature to allow OneDrive to run "unelevated". So instead of downloading FireDaemon Pro 5, download FireDaemon Pro 6 instead. Then follow the instructions below and make one additional change to your FireDaemon Pro 6 service configuration:
Settings -> Run Permissions -> Windows Standard User [unelevated]
If you wish to purchase a FireDaemon Pro 6 license, please follow this link. Use the coupon code ONEDRIVE to get 50% off the license price.
Turn Off Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration
When attempting to install OneDrive on Windows Server, you will need to ensure Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration is turned off for Administrators via Server Manager. Otherwise, IE ESC may block the installation.
Install OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive is already installed in Windows 10 and 11. OneDrive also comes with Microsoft Office. OneDrive is generally not installed on Windows Server. OneDrive can be downloaded from here. Alternatively, download a OneDrive Insider Build.
Setup OneDrive to work with FireDaemon Pro
Once you have installed OneDrive, you will need to set it up so it works properly with FireDaemon Pro.
Step 1: Log in to OneDrive with your Microsoft Account
You will need to log in to your OneDrive with your Microsoft Account. You may have to use Microsoft Authenticator to authorise the login.
Step 2: Make a note of where your OneDrive folder is located
So you know where your files are going to be stored. After that you can skip through the rest of the OneDrive setup wizard.
Step 3: Configure OneDrive
By default, OneDrive runs when you log in to Windows. You do not want that to happen when OneDrive is running as a service under FireDaemon Pro. So right-click on the OneDrive icon in the Task Tray:
OneDrive will now be displayed. Click on the Settings cog in the top right-hand corner and choose Settings:
Ensure everything is unchecked in the Settings tab, then click OK (i.e. do not start OneDrive automatically and suppress all notifications).
Step 4: Log out and log back in again
It is really important to ensure that OneDrive is no longer running, so log out and log back in again and ensure you no longer see the OneDrive icon in the Windows Task Tray.
Install FireDaemon Pro
Managing OneDrive when running under FireDaemon Pro control
- Stop the FireDaemon Pro OneDrive service
- Manually start OneDrive and change the Settings
- Logout / login
- Start the FireDaemon Pro OneDrive service again
Setup the OneDrive FireDaemon Pro Service
Now start FireDaemon Pro and create a new FireDaemon Pro service (Ctrl+N) per the screenshot below:
The Program and Working Directory should point to your OneDrive installation location. In this case, we are logged in as the user Administrator, so set:
Program to C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\OneDrive.exe
Working Directory to C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive
Now click on the Settings tab and set up the user account to run OneDrive. This must be the same account you are currently logged in as (in this case, Administrator). Enter the user's password twice. Then click "the tick" to save and run OneDrive.
Verify OneDrive is running correctly
OneDrive should be running. You can verify it is running correctly by viewing the FireDaemon Services list. Status should be Running, Process should be Running, and you should have a Process ID (PID) that does not change
You should now be able to open your OneDrive folder (e.g. C:\Users\Administrator\OneDrive) and view your synchronised files: