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Supported Cloud Services

Necron Vault Manager works with any cloud storage provider that syncs files to a local folder on your computer. The app never communicates directly with cloud APIs — instead, it reads and writes encrypted files to local folders that your cloud provider's desktop client syncs automatically.

How Cloud Integration Works

Necron's cloud integration is sync-client-based, not API-based:

  1. You install the cloud provider's desktop sync client (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive)
  2. The sync client creates a local folder on your computer that mirrors your cloud storage
  3. You add that local folder as a vault storage location in Necron Vault Manager
  4. Necron writes encrypted files (.ncrn / NCV2/NCV3 objects) to the folder
  5. The sync client automatically uploads the encrypted files to the cloud

This means any cloud service with a desktop sync client is compatible with Necron Vault Manager.

Tip

Because Necron encrypts files before they reach the sync folder, the cloud provider never sees your plaintext data. File contents, names, and directory structure are all encrypted. The provider only stores opaque encrypted blobs.

Officially Tested Providers

The following providers are explicitly supported in the Create Vault wizard with dedicated provider buttons:

Dropbox

Detail Value
Sync client Dropbox Desktop App
Default sync folder C:\Users\\Dropbox\
Setup Install Dropbox → sign in → select a subfolder as vault location

Dropbox syncs individual file changes efficiently, which works well with Necron's per-file encryption model. Each encrypted object is a separate file, so only changed files are re-synced.

Google Drive

Detail Value
Sync client Google Drive for Desktop
Default sync folder Mounted as a virtual drive (e.g., G:\My Drive\) or C:\Users\\Google Drive\
Setup Install Google Drive for Desktop → sign in → select a subfolder as vault location

Note

Google Drive for Desktop offers two modes: Mirror (files stored locally) and Stream (files downloaded on demand). For best results with Necron, use Mirror mode for your vault folder to ensure all encrypted files are available locally. Stream mode may cause files to appear offline.

OneDrive

Detail Value
Sync client OneDrive (built into Windows)
Default sync folder C:\Users\\OneDrive\
Setup OneDrive is pre-installed on Windows → sign in → select a subfolder as vault location

Note

OneDrive has a Files On-Demand feature that can offload files to the cloud. Ensure your vault folder is set to "Always keep on this device" so encrypted files are available locally for Necron to read.

Other Compatible Providers

Any cloud service with a local sync folder works with Necron. Here are some known-compatible options:

Provider Sync Client Notes
iCloud Drive iCloud for Windows Use the local iCloud Drive folder
pCloud pCloud Drive Virtual drive or local sync folder
Sync.com Sync.com Desktop End-to-end encrypted provider + Necron encryption = double protection
MEGA MEGAsync Local sync folder
Tresorit Tresorit Desktop Another E2E-encrypted provider; Necron adds an additional encryption layer
Nextcloud Nextcloud Desktop Client Self-hosted cloud option
Box Box Drive Enterprise cloud storage
SpiderOak SpiderOak ONE Zero-knowledge cloud storage

Tip

Using a cloud provider that already offers encryption (like Tresorit or Sync.com) with Necron creates a double encryption setup — the provider encrypts your already-encrypted Necron files. This is redundant but not harmful, and some users prefer the belt-and-suspenders approach.

Setting Up a Cloud Location

To add a cloud-synced folder as a vault location:

  1. Ensure the cloud provider's desktop sync client is installed and running
  2. In Necron Vault Manager, create a new vault or add a location to an existing vault
  3. Click the appropriate provider button (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive) or Local for other providers
  4. In the folder picker, navigate to your cloud sync folder
  5. Select or create a subfolder for the vault (e.g., Dropbox/NecronVault/)
  6. The folder is now a vault location — encrypted files will be written here and synced automatically

Warning

Do not place a vault location inside another vault's storage folder. Necron detects nested vault locators and rejects them to prevent conflicts.

Best Practices for Cloud Locations

Use Dedicated Subfolders

Create a dedicated subfolder for each vault rather than using the sync root:

Dropbox/
├── NecronVault-Work/        ← Vault location for work vault
├── NecronVault-Personal/    ← Vault location for personal vault
└── (other Dropbox files)

Avoid Selective Sync Exclusions

Don't exclude your vault folder from syncing. If the cloud client stops syncing the folder, Necron treats that location as offline and self-healing can't repair it.

Monitor Sync Status

After encrypting or importing files, check that the cloud sync client shows the upload as complete. Large files may take time to sync, especially on slower connections.

Combine Cloud with Local

For the best redundancy, configure each vault with at least:

  • One local folder (fast reads/writes, always available)
  • One cloud folder (off-site backup, accessible from other devices)

See Adding Locations and Best Practices for detailed location strategy advice.

Troubleshooting

Issue Solution
Cloud location shows as "offline" Check that the cloud sync client is running and signed in
Files not syncing to cloud Verify the folder isn't excluded from sync; check sync client status
Slow vault operations on cloud folders This is normal — cloud-synced folders have higher latency. Use a local primary location for speed.
"Files On-Demand" / "Smart Sync" issues Disable on-demand features for your vault folder so files are kept locally
Sync conflicts (duplicate files) Necron uses unique filenames to avoid conflicts. If they occur, run a vault integrity check

Further Reading