Microsoft OneDrive: Quick Start Guide

Summary

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.

Body

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

Introduction

Accessing and Setting Up OneDrive on Windows or Mac

  1. Sign In to OneDrive Using a Web Browser on Windows or Mac
  2. Install and Set Up OneDrive App on Windows or Mac

OneDrive Quick Start Navigation Guide

Quick Links to Additional OneDrive KB Articles 

 

Introduction

Welcome to the new Microsoft OneDrive experience, your central hub for secure file storage and sharing within Microsoft 365, now optimized for macOS and other platforms. The new OneDrive app is faster, simpler, and more efficient, enabling seamless synchronization and collaboration on your files. Whether you're using a Mac or Windows machine, OneDrive makes it easy to access, edit, and share documents, images, and more.

This knowledge base article provides a guide to using the new Microsoft OneDrive app and its improved features, including file synchronization, file sharing, integration with Microsoft 365, and enhanced navigation. It also includes links to additional resources and support to help you make the most of OneDrive on macOS and beyond.

 

Accessing and Setting Up OneDrive on Windows or Mac

 

Sign In to OneDrive Using a Web Browser on Windows or Mac

  1. Open a Web Browser: Launch your preferred web browser on your Windows or Mac device. 

  1. Navigate to OneDrive: Go to the OneDrive website by typing https://onedrive.live.com in the address bar and pressing Enter. 

  1. Sign In: If you're not already signed in, enter your Microsoft account email, phone, or Skype ID, followed by your password. Click on Sign in to access your OneDrive account. 

  1. Access OneDrive: After successfully signing in, you will be redirected to your OneDrive dashboard. Here, you can view, manage, and organize all your stored files and folders. 

  1. Log Out Safely: When finished, especially if you are on a shared or public computer, be sure to log out to protect your data. Click on your profile icon at the top right corner and select ‘Sign out’. 

 

Install and Set Up OneDrive App on Windows or Mac

  1. Open the Appropriate App Store:

    • Windows: Click the Start button, open the Microsoft Store, or search for it in the taskbar’s search bar.
    • Mac: Click the App Store icon in the Dock or use Spotlight to find it.
  2. Search for OneDrive:
    Use the store’s search bar and type “OneDrive.”

  3. Select OneDrive from Results:
    Locate the official OneDrive app and select it.

  4. Download/Install OneDrive:

    • Windows: Click “Get” or “Install.” If prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account.
    • Mac: Click “Get” and then “Install.” If prompted, enter your Apple ID credentials or use Touch ID.
  5. Open OneDrive:

    • Windows: Click “Open” after installation, or find OneDrive in the Start menu. The OneDrive icon may appear in the taskbar notification area.
    • Mac: Click “Open” in the App Store, find OneDrive in the Applications folder, or check for its icon in the menu bar.
  6. Sign In to OneDrive:
    Enter your Microsoft account credentials or create a new account if needed.

  7. Set Up Your OneDrive Folder:
    Choose the folder location where OneDrive will sync your files.

    • Windows: Accept the default or select another folder on your Windows device.
    • Mac: Accept the default or pick a preferred folder on your Mac. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to finalize setup.

 

OneDrive navigation bar with a search feature and icons over a mountain landscape background.

ONEDRIVE QUICK START NAVIGATION GUIDE

OneDrive sidebar menu with options for Home, My files, Shared, Favorites, Recycle bin, and more.

  1. Home: The Home page in OneDrive is a centralized hub showing your recent, shared, and suggested files for quick and easy access.
  2. My Files: My Files is where you can find, organize, and manage all your personal folders and files stored within your OneDrive account.
  3. Shared: The Shared section lets you view files and folders shared with you and those you’ve shared with others, streamlining collaboration.
  4. Favorites: Favorites allows you to save and quickly access your most important files and folders, ensuring they are always just a click away.
  5. Recycle Bin: The Recycle Bin stores deleted files and folders temporarily, giving you the option to restore them before they are permanently deleted.
  6. Browse Files By People: Use the "People" view to filter and locate files and folders based on collaborators, making it easier to find items associated with specific individuals.
  7. Browse Files By Meetings: The "Meetings" view organizes files linked to meetings or shared during collaborations, helping you quickly access context-relevant documents.
  8. Browse Files By Media: The "Media" view focuses on files such as images, videos, and audio, allowing for quick browsing and retrieval of media content.
  9. Settings: Access the Settings menu (top-right corner) to customize account preferences, manage storage, adjust sharing settings, and configure sync options.
  10. Help and Support: Click the question mark icon (top-right corner) for FAQs, tutorials, or to contact support for assistance with OneDrive issues.
  11. Profile Management: Use the profile icon (top-right corner) to view and manage account details, including profile information, subscription status, and sign-out options.

 

 

 

Quick Links to Additional OneDrive KB Articles 

Blue icon with white documents and the word "Files".

File Management & Storage

 

File Management

  1. Creating Files in OneDrive 
  2. Creating and Organizing Files in OneDrive 
  3. Upload Files/Folders to OneDrive
  4. Download Files from OneDrive 
  5. File Types Not Supported by OneDrive

Using Files on Demand

  1. Enabling Files On-Demand in OneDrive 
  2. Using Files On-Demand 
  3. Setting Up Files for Offline/Online Access 
  4. Saving local disk space with Files On-Demand 

Blue square icon with a person silhouette and the text "Share & collaborate."

Share and Collaborate

 

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

Blue square icon with a white sync arrow and the word "Sync."

Sync Your Files

 

Sync Your Files

  1. Set Up Desktop Sync
  2. Set Up Selective Sync
  3. Troubleshooting Sync Issues

Blue square with a white gear icon and the text "Settings and configuration."

Settings & Configuration

 

Settings and Configuration 

  1. Account Settings 

OneDrive Integration

  1. Integrating OneDrive with Other Microsoft Services

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. Common Issues 

Closing and Additional Resources

 

Details

Details

Article ID: 114737
Created
Tue 11/19/24 6:14 PM
Modified
Mon 12/16/24 12:55 PM

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