OneDrive is becoming a popular tool to store files as it provides anywhere access and user collaboration. Getting OneDrive to work in VDI can be challenging. Here are some tips and tricks for optimizing OneDrive in VDI:
Use Profile Containers – A profile container captures a user’s profile into a virtual disk that is attached to a user’s VDI session. It provides performance that closely matches a local profile with all the benefits of a roaming profile. Using this solution with OneDrive gives the best user experience, especially with non-persistent VDI.
Use the Machine Installer Version – In a VDI environment, it is a best practice to install applications locally, giving multiple users on the same machine access to the application. You also do not want users running applications from their profile. When you install OneDrive, you have the option of installing the application in the local Program Files directory instead of the user’s profile. A machine-based install can be performed by using the command switch “/ALLUSERS”.
Enable Files On-Demand – When you turn this feature on, you see your files in File Explorer, but they do not take up any space in your local cache. Instead, they appear as symbolic links and are only downloaded when a user accesses them. This can greatly reduce the amount of storage required for VDI, especially in non-persistent environments. This feature can be enabled through a computer GPO setting.
Enable Windows Storage Sense – Windows Storage Sense works with OneDrive to automatically free up space. Think of it as a newer and automated version of the Windows Drive Cleanup utility. When this feature is enabled, it will automatically delete cached data from the user’s OneDrive cache when a machine is running low on disk space, or upon regular intervals (daily, weekly, or monthly). This feature can be enabled through a computer GPO setting.
Don’t use Windows 2012 or 2016 – The Files On-Demand and Storage Sense features are not supported on Windows 2012 or 2016. These features are available in the newer versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11.