Configure Background Sync

This policy setting controls when background synchronization occurs while operating in slow-link mode, and applies to any user who logs onto the specified machine while this policy is in effect. To control slow-link mode, use the "Configure slow-link mode" policy setting.

If you enable this policy setting, you can control when Windows synchronizes in the background while operating in slow-link mode. Use the 'Sync Interval' and 'Sync Variance' values to override the default sync interval and variance settings. Use 'Blockout Start Time' and 'Blockout Duration' to set a period of time where background sync is disabled. Use the 'Maximum Allowed Time Without A Sync' value to ensure that all network folders on the machine are synchronized with the server on a regular basis.

You can also configure Background Sync for network shares that are in user selected Work Offline mode. This mode is in effect when a user selects the Work Offline button for a specific share. When selected, all configured settings will apply to shares in user selected Work Offline mode as well.

If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, Windows performs a background sync of offline folders in the slow-link mode at a default interval with the start of the sync varying between 0 and 60 additional minutes. In Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, the default sync interval is 360 minutes. In Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012, the default sync interval is 120 minutes.