Integrating SkyDrive (now OneDrive) and Google Drive into your Windows Send To menu allows you to quickly share files directly to these cloud services without opening their applications each time. This streamlined process can save you time, improve your workflow, and make file sharing more efficient. Before you begin, ensure you have both your SkyDrive/OneDrive and Google Drive accounts set up and synced on your PC. You’ll also need administrator privileges on your Windows computer to modify system files and registry entries safely.
What You’ll Need
- Windows PC with administrator access
- SkyDrive/OneDrive and Google Drive installed and synced
- Basic understanding of file paths and registry editing (recommended)
- Notepad or any plain text editor
Step-by-Step
- Open File Explorer and locate the SkyDrive/OneDrive and Google Drive folders. Typically, these are found under your user profile folder, e.g., C:\Users\YourName\SkyDrive or C:\Users\YourName\Google Drive.
- Create new shortcut files for each cloud service. Right-click on your desktop or in a folder, select New > Shortcut.
- In the location field, enter the path to the cloud service folder. For SkyDrive/OneDrive, it might be C:\Users\YourName\SkyDrive. For Google Drive, it might be C:\Users\YourName\Google Drive. Click Next.
- Name the shortcut appropriately, such as Send to SkyDrive and Send to Google Drive. Click Finish.
- Locate the newly created shortcuts, right-click each, and select Copy.
- Navigate to the SendTo folder: press Win + R, type shell:sendto, and press Enter. This opens the SendTo folder.
- Paste the shortcuts you copied into this folder. This adds your cloud services to the Send To menu.
- Test the setup: right-click a file, choose Send to, and select your SkyDrive or Google Drive shortcut. Confirm that the file is copied or moved to the correct folder.
- Optionally, customize the shortcuts by right-clicking and selecting Properties to add icons or modify target paths for better clarity.
Common Mistakes
- Using incorrect folder paths—double-check the locations of your SkyDrive/OneDrive and Google Drive folders.
- Not copying the shortcuts into the SendTo folder—ensure you paste the shortcuts into shell:sendto.
- Modifying system files without backing up—always create a restore point before editing registry or system files.
- Creating shortcuts with incorrect target paths—test each shortcut manually before adding to Send To.
- Not running as administrator when necessary—some operations may require elevated permissions.
Tips
- Rename shortcuts to clearly indicate the destination, e.g., “Send to SkyDrive” or “Send to Google Drive”.
- Use icons that match the cloud service logos for quick visual identification.
- If cloud folders are moved or renamed, update the shortcuts accordingly.
- For frequent use, pin your cloud folders to Quick Access in File Explorer for faster navigation.
- Automate the process with scripts if you frequently add multiple cloud services.
Troubleshooting
- Files not appearing in cloud folders after sending: verify that the shortcuts point to the correct folder paths and that sync is enabled.
- Send To menu not showing updated options: restart Windows Explorer or your PC to refresh menu entries.
- Shortcuts are missing or broken: delete and recreate the shortcuts, ensuring the target paths are correct.
- Permission issues: run File Explorer as administrator when creating or editing shortcuts.
- Cloud folders not syncing properly: check your cloud app settings or restart the sync client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add other cloud services to the Send To menu?
Yes, you can create shortcuts for any folder or application and add them to the SendTo folder similarly.
Will adding these shortcuts affect my cloud account’s storage limits?
No, simply creating shortcuts does not affect your storage. Files are stored in the cloud only when you move or copy them there.
Do I need to do anything after adding shortcuts to keep them working?
Ensure the paths remain valid and update shortcuts if you move your cloud folders. Regularly check sync status for proper operation.
Is there a way to automate sending multiple files at once?
Yes, you can select multiple files, right-click, and send them all via the Send To menu, which will copy or move all selected files to the chosen cloud folder.
What if I want the files to be uploaded instead of copied?
Use the regular copy or move commands in Windows, or set your cloud client to sync folders automatically after copying files there.
Can I remove these shortcuts later?
Yes, simply delete the shortcuts from the SendTo folder. This will remove them from the menu without affecting your cloud services.
Adding SkyDrive (OneDrive) and Google Drive to your Send To menu enhances your file sharing efficiency, enabling quick uploads directly from Explorer. With just a few simple steps, you can streamline your workflow and save time in everyday tasks. Follow this guide carefully, and you’ll have your cloud services integrated seamlessly into your Windows environment.
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