Run OneDrive as a Windows Service with FireDaemon Pro

Microsoft OneDrive Logo

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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.


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. Alternarively use Microsoft Edge or another modern browser to download and install OneDrive and FireDaemon Pro.


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. If you have problems with synchronization, try installing the most recent Insider Build. We last tested OneDrive 26.088.0510.0001 on Server 2019 (OS build 17763.8755) in May 2026 and it appears to run and sync under FireDaemon Pro 6.


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.Set up OneDrive screen

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.

Your OneDrive folder screen

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 Task Tray Icon

OneDrive will now be displayed. Click on the Settings cog in the top right-hand corner and choose Settings:

OneDrive SettingsEnsure everything is unchecked in the Settings tab, then click OK (i.e. do not start OneDrive automatically and suppress all notifications).Unchecked OneDrive Settings

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.

OneDrive Task Tray icon missing

Install FireDaemon Pro

Download and install the latest version of FireDaemon Pro. Just follow the instructions in the install wizard.


Setup the OneDrive FireDaemon Pro Service

Now start FireDaemon Pro and create a new FireDaemon Pro service (Ctrl+N) per the screenshot below:


FireDaemon Pro OneDrive Program tab


The Program and Working Directory should point to your OneDrive installation location.

  • 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). That user must be a local or domain administrator. Enter the user's password twice. Ensure you set Run Permissions to "Windows Standard User [unelevated]". Then click "the tick" to save and run OneDrive.


FireDaemon Pro OneDrive Settings tab


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 have a Process ID (PID) that does not change.


FireDaemon Pro Services List


You should now be able to open your OneDrive folder (e.g. C:\Users\Administrator\OneDrive) and view your synchronized files.


Synchronized OneDrive Folder


Managing OneDrive when running under FireDaemon Pro control

Once OneDrive is set up as a FireDaemon Pro Service, you will no longer be able to access OneDrive's Settings. To access OneDrive's settings you will need to:
  1. Stop the FireDaemon Pro OneDrive service
  2. Manually start OneDrive and change the Settings
  3. Logout / login
  4. Start the FireDaemon Pro OneDrive service again

Troubleshooting

If OneDrive is not syncing, ensure you have followed the steps above. Ensure there are no other instances of OneDrive running on your computer. There must only be one instance. Verify this via Task Manager -> Details and look for OneDrive.exe. You can also interrogate the OneDrive logs using this tool.