Deploying Work Folders in Windows Server: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a server administrator working within an organization, one of your responsibilities will likely include the setup of Work Folders. This feature presents a robust solution for storing work-related documents that can be accessed by all authorized personnel. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to install and deploy Work Folders on your Windows Server.

Understanding Work Folders in Windows Server

Work Folders is a practical tool in Windows that enables users to reach their work files from personal computers and various devices. This is especially useful for remote employees or those who travel often, granting them effortless access to critical files without requiring a connection to the corporate network.

By utilizing Work Folders, you can keep copies of your work files on your personal devices, like laptops, tablets, or smartphones. These files will synchronize automatically with your organization’s data center, guaranteeing you always have access to the most current versions, no matter your location. Additionally, this feature supports data security and compliance, with the synchronization process conducted according to your company’s policies.

In summary, Work Folders offers a user-friendly method for managing work-related documents, facilitating remote work while ensuring data security and real-time updates.

Steps to Install and Deploy Work Folders in Windows Server

Follow these outlined steps to install, configure, and deploy Work Folders:

1. Install the Work Folders Role
2. Activate the Windows Sync Share Service
3. Create a Work Folder
4. Configure the Work Folder

Let’s delve into each step.

Step 1: Install the Work Folders Role

As previously highlighted, Work Folders is a specific role of Windows Server that must be installed with its associated features. Here is how to get started:

1. Launch Server Manager.
2. Select Manage > Add Roles and Features.
3. Click Next to continue.
4. Choose Role-based or feature-based installation and proceed with Next.
5. Select your local server and click Next to reach the Server Roles section.
6. Expand File and Storage Services, then select File and iSCSI Services, and check Work Folders.
7. When prompted, click on Add Features.
8. Finish by selecting Next > Install.

Wait a moment for the feature to install on your server. Once it’s completed, you can close the window.

Step 2: Activate Windows Sync Share Service

Having successfully installed Work Folders, the next step is to enable the Windows Sync Share service. Follow the instructions below:

1. Within Server Manager, click on Tools > Services.
2. Locate the Windows Sync Share service.
3. If it’s not running, right-click it and select Start.

Ensure that the Windows Sync Share service is set to Automatic startup. If not, right-click it, hit Properties, switch the Startup type to Automatic, and click Ok.

Step 3: Create a Work Folder

Next, with the Work Folders feature installed and the Windows Sync Share service enabled, it’s time to create a Work Folder. Here’s how:

1. In Server Manager, navigate to File and Storage Services > Work Folders.
2. Click the hyperlink that initiates the Sync Share Wizard for setting up a Work Folder.
3. Press Next to move forward.
4. Click Browse to select the local folder you wish to share.
5. Afterward, hit Next and choose a structure as per your organization’s guidelines, then click Next.
6. Add the name and description, then click Next.
7. Click Add, type “Domain Users” in the field, and check names; hit Ok.
8. After selecting the user, move on by clicking Next.
9. Select your options according to your needs.
10. On the Confirmation page, take note of the Server Name as this will be needed later, then click Create.

A new work folder will now be successfully created.

Step 4: Configure Work Folder

This step involves configuring the Work Folder we just created. Follow these final steps:

• Access a client computer within your Active Directory network and log in as the domain administrator.
• Since this tutorial assumes unsecured file synchronization, we need to make adjustments in the registry. Open the Run dialog, type ‘regedit’, and hit Ok.
• Navigate to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion.
• Right-click on CurrentVersion, hover over New, and select Key.
• Name the new key as Work Folder, then right-click it, choose New > DWORD (32-bit value), and name it AllowUnsecureConnections.
• Double-click on AllowUnsecureConnections and assign it a value of 1.
• Now, locate Work Folders and select Set up Work Folders.
• Input the URL, which should be http://URL_you_copied, and then proceed with Next.
• Select the folder’s location or retain the default option, then click Next.
• Click Sync up Work Folders, and subsequently click Close.

You can now access the Work Folder via File Explorer.

Using Active Directory in Windows Server

To utilize Active Directory, begin by installing its role and related features through Server Manager, followed by the necessary configuration and user addition.