I'm looking for the best way to manage Windows 10 shell folders like Documents, Downloads, and AppData on a personal flash drive. This is to enable users to roam between non-networked computers where the file sharing speed is poor. What methods would you recommend and why? I've considered a few approaches: changing registry settings to redirect shell folders, using NTFS junctions, or real-time file sync tools which may require extra local storage. Each method has its pros and cons, such as dependency on the flash drive being inserted or potential data loss. I'm open to other suggestions too! Ideally, the solution should still allow some access without the flash drive plugged in.
3 Answers
I’d go with NTFS junctions since they work similarly to Unix symlinks. Registry-based redirection only works with apps specifically coded for it. However, if you're concerned about syncing data, make sure to have a reliable system to manage backups. There's also the possibility of setting up a skeleton directory for junctions, but that might need a little extra digging to get correct on Windows.
Honestly, using a thumb drive could lead to a lot of frustration for users. They’ll be waiting ages to log off with all that data transfer. If you're using Office 365, consider integrating OneDrive with GPOs to manage profiles more efficiently, but that's assuming a network presence, which I know isn't your case.
Have you thought about Windows To Go? It runs the entire OS from the USB drive, making it easy to switch between machines. You could have everything set up on the drive without worrying about folder redirection or junctions.
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