Microsoft OneDrive: Share & Collaborate

A cityscape split into warm and cool tones with a blue cloud icon in the center.

 

Sharing and Collaboration in OneDrive

  1. Sharing Files and Folders in OneDrive 
  2. Setting Up Sharing Permissions
  3. Running a Sharing Report in OneDrive
  4. Notification Settings for Sharing in OneDrive
  5. Collaborating on Documents in Real-Time in OneDrive 
  6. Tips for Effective Collaboration

 

Sharing and Collaboration in OneDrive 

Sharing Files and Folders in OneDrive 

  1. Access OneDrive: Open your web browser, navigate to onedrive.live.com, and sign in with your Microsoft account if not already logged in.
  2. Locate the File or Folder to Share: Navigate through your OneDrive files and folders to find the item you wish to share.
  3. Initiate Sharing: 
  • Option 1: Right-Click and ‘Share’: Right-click the file or folder and select Share from the context menu.

Context menu highlighted with "Share" option in digital file management system.

  • Option 2: Click the Circle Selection and ‘Share’: Click the circle to the left of the file or folder to select it, then click the Share button at the top of the page.

Screenshot of a cloud storage interface with a highlighted download option and a marked file.
 

  • Option 3: Click the Three Dots (More Options) and ‘Share’: Click the ellipsis (...) next to the file or folder, then select Share from the dropdown menu.

A file directory interface with a menu dropdown open showing sharing options.

Setting Up Sharing Permissions

  1. Configure Link Settings: Click the settings icon next to Copy link to adjust permissions.

Screenshot of a sharing interface for "English 101" with permission options.

  1. Set Link Permissions: Click Anyone with the link can edit to modify settings such as editing permissions, expiration dates, or password protection.
    • Anyone with the link: Allows access without sign-in.
    • People in [Your Organization]: Restricts access to your organization.
    • Specific People: Only specified individuals can view or edit the file, and they must sign in.
  2. Click Apply to save your settings.

Screenshot of link settings options for sharing a document titled "English 101."

  1. Choose How to Share: Enter recipient email addresses, add a message, and click Send. Alternatively, click Copy link to generate a shareable link.

Sharing menu screenshot for "English 101" with fields for adding users, review checkbox, and send button.

Additional Tips for Sharing:

Check Access Permissions: Regularly review who has access to shared files, especially for sensitive information.

  1. Manage Sharing: Right-click a file or folder.
  2. Manage Access: Select Manage access.
  3. Adjust Access: Adjust permissions as needed.

OneDrive file management interface showing the "Manage access" option highlighted.Screenshot of a "Manage Access" pop-up window for the "English 101" folder with sharing options.

Running a Sharing Report in OneDrive

The sharing report helps track how files and folders are shared across your OneDrive or SharePoint environment.

To Run a Sharing Report:

  1. Go to Settings in OneDrive.
  2. Access OneDrive Settings
  3.  Navigate to More Settings.
  4. Under Manage Access, click Run Sharing Report.

Software settings menu with highlighted OneDrive settings.Notification Settings with various email notification options and "More Settings" highlighted.Settings interface highlighting "More Settings" with options under "Manage access."

Details Included in the Report:

  • Shared With: Lists users or groups with access.
  • Permission Levels: Details on viewing or editing rights.
  • Link Details: Includes expiration dates and password settings.

 

Notification Settings for Sharing in OneDrive

If sharing with a team or group, consider setting up notifications to alert you when the file is accessed or edited. 

  1. Access OneDrive Settings: Locate the settings icon at the top of the OneDrive page and click on OneDrive Settings.
  2. Set Up Notifications:
  • Reminders for Missed Sharing Emails: Receive reminders if you have missed any shared emails.
  • Email Notification for Large File Deletions: Get an email alert when OneDrive detects a significant number of files are deleted at once.
  • Email Notification for Replies to Your Comments: Receive an email when someone replies to your comments on shared documents.
  • Email Notification for Comments on Your Documents: Be notified when someone comments on your shared documents.
  • Email Notification for Shared Link Clicks: Get alerted when a link you shared is clicked.
  • Email Notification for File Requests: Receive an email when someone uploads files to a request you sent.
  • Daily Digest of Loop App Notifications: Receive a daily email summarizing all notifications from the Loop app.

Additional Tip: Setting up notifications ensures you stay informed about activity on your shared files, helping you monitor collaboration and file access effectively.

Software settings menu with highlighted OneDrive settings.Screenshot of notification settings, all toggles set to "On".

 

Collaborating on Documents in Real-Time in OneDrive 

  1. Access OneDrive: Go to OneDrive and sign in with your Microsoft account.
  2. Add New: Click Add new to create a new Office document.
  3. Select File Type: Select the file type you wish to collaborate with others on in real-time.

A digital interface showing a dropdown menu for creating or uploading files.

  1. Share the Document: Click Share at the top right to invite collaborators.

File management interface showing a right-click menu with the "Share" option highlighted for a Word document.

  1. Collaborate in Real-Time:

    • View and edit the document simultaneously with team members.
    • See each other’s cursor positions and edits live.
    • Use comments or in-document chat for streamlined communication.

Microsoft Word document with the title "World War II: A Comprehensive Overview" highlighted and a comments panel open on the right.

  1. Use Version History: Click File > Version History to track changes or revert to previous versions.

Screenshot of a file manager showing a selected document's context menu with "Version history" highlighted.Version history window showing version numbers, modified dates, and file sizes.

  1. Save and Close the Document: Documents are saved automatically. Simply close the browser tab when done; the file remains accessible for further editing.

 

Tips for Effective Collaboration

  • Organize Collaborative Files: Store shared documents in specific folders accessible to team members.
  • Maintain Regular Communication: Ensure collaborators are informed about access rights and updates.
  • Backup Important Files: Regularly back up shared files to avoid data loss due to accidental modifications or deletions.

 

Quick Links: | Quick Start Guide | File Management and Storage | Sync Your Files | Settings, Integration, and Troubleshooting | Top |

 

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This quick start guide helps Windows and Mac users get started with the improved OneDrive app. It introduces the enhanced Microsoft OneDrive, optimized for secure file storage and collaboration. Features include managing My Files, accessing Shared files, browsing by People, Meetings, and Media, using Favorites and Recycle Bin, and customizing settings in the Profile and Help sections.