IMPORTANT: Using a file syncing\cloud drive service such as OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox are known to cause issues with this method due to the inconsistencies in how they handle folder junctions. The most severe of these issues can lead to the loss of data.
See below for more information.
Starfield breaks the Bethesda-game trend by having a secondary data folder at Documents\My Games\Starfield\Data
which, in most case, overrides the regular Data folder in the game installation. To get around this, Vortex can create a specific type of shortcut (called a folder junction) between the regular Data folder and the one in the My Games folder. This tricks the game engine into using the same Data folder and simplifies mod installation.
You will be notified when you first manage or activate the game that this feature can be used. If this notification is missed, it can be toggled on and off in Settings > Mods > Use Folder Junction.
When enabled, existing contents of the My Games folder will be copied over to the game data folder and backed up.
When disabled, the junction is removed and the backup is restored.
Be cautious with any type of backup sync system and always disable .../Documents/My Games
where you can. The services below have been tested with folder junctions and the results are as follows:
OneDrive (DO NOT USE)
IDrive (DO NOT USE)
Google Drive (USE WITH CAUTION)
Dropbox (USE WITH CAUTION)