Syncing Settings between Computers

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated September 24, 2018)

1

As discussed in the tip titled Logging In with Local vs. Microsoft Credentials, you can login to your Windows 10 PC using either local credentials or Microsoft credentials. If you login with the latter, you are afforded some benefits like syncing certain things among your Windows 10 devices. To sync your settings, press the Windows key and type (without the quotes) "Settings", then press Enter. The main Settings page appears. Click the Accounts category. The following figure is the left-hand side of the next window that appears: (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The Settings options (left-hand side of window).

From here you can click the "Sync your settings" option, which will bring up the following options: (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. The Sync Your Settings options.

With Windows 10 devices, the settings available for syncing include the following settings groups:

  • Theme. This includes the desktop background, accent color, user tile, taskbar position, accent color, sound scheme, screen saver, and more.
  • Internet Explorer Settings. Items such as browsing history, typed URLs, favorites, and more.
  • Edge Browser settings. Various browser items carry over as well, such as Edge favorites, reading list, and more.
  • Passwords. These are passwords for items such as Windows Credential Manager, wi-fi profiles, Website passwords, and more.
  • Language Preferences. Your spelling dictionary, and language settings all carry over.
  • Ease of Access. Settings such as narrator settings, on-screen keyboard magnifier, and more.
  • Other Windows Settings. You can get additional details about sync settings by visiting https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/active-directory-windows-enterprise-state-roaming-windows-settings-reference#windows-settings-details to see additional items that can be synched between Windows.

It's still a far cry from having Windows 10 clones, but the move seems to be in that direction. With your Windows 10 devices setup to sync, you will feel at home no matter which device you use.

 This tip (13563) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Creating a PIN for Sign-in

Add an extra level of security to your computer to protect your data. A PIN allows for added peace of mind and use.

Discover More

Better Sound with Windows Sonic

Windows 10 allows for better sound through the use of Windows Sonic. Windows Sonic is Microsoft's solution for better ...

Discover More

Adjusting Your Monitor's Refresh Rate

Does your screen's motion appear choppy or less than smooth? You can improve the smoothness of motion on your screen by ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Better Wallpaper Quality

When you set an image for your wallpaper Windows 10 compresses the quality of the image. You can improve the quality of ...

Discover More

Change Your Pointer

Windows 10 uses a default mouse pointer size and color. With a quick setting change, you can customize the mouse size and ...

Discover More

What is a Desktop.ini File?

When browsing through your system, you might see several files named Desktop.ini. This tip explains what these files are ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is two minus 0?

2018-09-24 07:14:34

Ashley

Very useful. Thank you.

By the way, a small point, but I always press and hold the Windows key and then press "i" (without quotes) to bring up the main Settings window.


Newest Tips