How To Use Windows 10 Onedrive

OneDrive go started for beginners (Image credit: Windows Central)

OneDrive is the deject storage service that Microsoft offers to store all your files deeply in one place, which you tin and then access from nearly anywhere.

The service works like a traditional external drive, simply with the difference that it is available through the cyberspace and offers additional features. For example, since information technology works across devices and platforms, you lot can create a file on one device and pick upwards where y'all left off on some other (desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or phone) without having to transfer anything to a USB flash drive or email it to yourself, which not but creates extra steps only likewise creates unnecessary copies. Likewise, OneDrive makes it piece of cake to share content with other people and interact in real-time using the Microsoft 365 integration.

If yous use a Windows 10 device, y'all get even more features. When setting up the service with a Microsoft account on your computer, you can also sync and roam your organisation preferences and many settings (including BitLocker recovery keys) across your devices. Files On-Demand is also another absurd characteristic that allows y'all to access all your files without downloading them, saving a lot of local storage. And since the data is stored in the cloud, you tin employ it every bit a data recovery mechanism if the figurer breaks or is stolen.

In this Windows 10 guide, nosotros volition walk you through the process to create an account, fix the client, and perform everyday tasks with OneDrive.

• How to create account for OneDrive
• How to set up OneDrive on Windows 10
• How to upload files to OneDrive
• How to choose folders available locally in OneDrive
• How to determine sync status badges in OneDrive
• How to use Files On-Demand with OneDrive
• How to share files with OneDrive
• How to restore previous version of files in OneDrive
• How to set up Personal Vault with OneDrive
• How to cheque storage usage in OneDrive

How to create account for OneDrive

Whether you lot use Windows 10 or macOS or have an iPhone or Android phone, you will need a Microsoft account to use OneDrive. If you have a @outlook.com, @live.com, or @hotmail.com email address, or Xbox network account, you already have a Microsoft account, and you can utilise information technology to admission the cloud storage service.

To create a new OneDrive account, when you don't have a Microsoft account, utilise these steps:

1. Open OneDrive website.
2. Click the Sign in button.

Source: Windows Key (Image credit: Source: Windows Key)

3. Click the Create one option.Quick tip: If you have an email from another service (for example, Gmail), yous tin use it to create an business relationship instead of getting a new address.

Source: Windows Key (Image credit: Source: Windows Primal)

4. Confirm an existing email address from another system — for example, Google Gmail.
5. (Optional) Click the Get a new email address option if you do not have one or desire to employ something different.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Key)

6. Create a new email address.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Cardinal)

7. Select the @outlook.com option.
8. Click the Next button.
9. Keep with the on-screen directions to consummate the process.

One time yous consummate the steps, you lot can connect the account to Windows ten and starting time using OneDrive.

How to gear up OneDrive on Windows 10

On Windows ten, when setting up a new installation, OneDrive is normally automatically configured one time you add a Microsoft account to create a system account. However, if this is non the case, or you are setting up the cloud service with a new account, you will need to configure the service manually.

Setting up OneDrive on your device is a straightforward process. Hither's how:

1. Open Start.
2. Search OneDrive and click the tiptop result to open the app.Quick tip: If you exercise not observe OneDrive on the Start menu, the client is probably not installed. Y'all can download the OneDrive client offline installer from Microsoft and double-click the file to install it. Also, if the setup process does not announced, correct-click the cloud icon from the notification area and select the Sign in button.
3. Confirm the Microsoft account accost.
4. Click the Sign in button.

Source: Windows Fundamental (Paradigm credit: Source: Windows Cardinal)

5. Confirm your account password.
6. Click the Sign in push over again.
7. (Optional) Click the Change location option to specify a dissimilar folder to store the deject files. (Usually, the default location is recommended.)

Source: Windows Central (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Cardinal)

8. Click the Adjacent push.
9. (Optional) Clear the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures selections.Quick note: OneDrive offers the ability to back upward your system profile folders. Although it is recommended to use this selection, you may not have plenty infinite to upload all your files if you have the free version of the service. If this is the case, skip this option until yous sign upward for a subscription plan. You can e'er access the backup settings from the Backup tab in the OneDrive settings.

Source: Windows Central (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Central)

10. Click the Skip push button (or Continue button).
11. Click the Not now button.
12. Click the Next push.
13. Click the Side by side button once more.
14. Click the Adjacent push one more fourth dimension.

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15. Click the Later on push button.
16. Click the Close push.

After y'all complete the steps, OneDrive will be ready to start uploading files.

How to upload files to OneDrive

OneDrive connects seamlessly with File Explorer to make the process of uploading files super piece of cake.

To upload documents and other files to OneDrive on Windows 10, employ these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click on OneDrive from the left pane.Quick note: On devices with multiple OneDrive accounts, the folders may be named differently. For instance: "OneDrive — Personal" for your regular account, and "OneDrive — Family" for concern accounts.
3. Snap the OneDrive folder to the left side (Windows primal + left arrow).
4. Open up another instance of File Explorer (Windows central + Due east).
5. Navigate to the binder with the content you want to upload.
6. Snap the binder with the local files to the right side (Windows key + right arrow).
7. Drag and drop each file and binder you want to upload to the OneDrive folder (left).

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One time y'all complete the steps, the files and folder in the OneDrive location will automatically sync to the cloud service in the groundwork.

Of course, this is only one way to upload files. You can always cutting and paste the files into the OneDrive binder. Or yous can select the files and utilize the "Motility to" pick available in the "Dwelling house" tab of File Explorer.

In the future, instead of continually making transfers manually, remember that within the awarding, you tin can e'er salvage files directly into the OneDrive folder.

If you take many files, 5GB of storage may not be enough with the gratuitous account. As a upshot, we recommend opting into one of the Microsoft 365 plans every bit it comes with i,000GB of OneDrive storage and additional perks. For case, with the subscription, you lot go access to the Office apps, Microsoft Family Condom, Microsoft Teams (consumer), and other features like Microsoft Editor, PowerPoint Presenter Coach, Money in Excel, and more.

Furthermore, with the subscription, you tin also buy an addition 1TB of storage for a total of 2TB.

Become subscribed

Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 (Role 365) gives you full admission to all the apps and perks, such every bit 1TB OneDrive storage and Skype minutes. You can also install Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other apps on upwards to five devices, and depending on the subscription, you lot can share the business relationship with upward to six people.

How to select folders bachelor locally in OneDrive

You lot tin can also choose which binder will be attainable locally from File Explorer.

To choose the OneDrive folders available through File Explorer on Windows 10, utilise these steps:

1. Click the OneDrive (cloud) push button from the notification area.
2. Click the Assist & Settings menu.
3. Select the Settings option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Cardinal)

4. Click the Account tab.
5. Click the Choose folders push.

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6. Clear the folders you lot practice not desire to make bachelor within File Explorer.

Source: Windows Primal (Image credit: Source: Windows Fundamental)

7. Click the OK push button.

Once you complete the steps, but the folders you lot selected volition be available equally files on-need, and any other folder will be hidden from File Explorer.

If y'all are also using the backup option, y'all won't be able to customize this feature. If this is the case, you will need to stop the OneDrive fill-in for those folders before hiding them.

How to decide sync condition badges in OneDrive

OneDrive uses at least 10 different badges to indicate the status of the app and file syncing process.

OneDrive icon status

• Solid white cloud icon — Confirms that OneDrive is running without problems and sync is up to engagement.

Source: Windows Primal (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

• Solid blueish deject icon — Indicates a "OneDrive for Business" account is configured. The sync is up to appointment, and in that location are no problems.

Source: Windows Cardinal (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

• Solid gray cloud icon — Lets you know that OneDrive is running, but the account is signed out or not continued to any account.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

• Cloud icon with arrows forming a circle — The sync customer is actively downloading or uploading files to the cloud.

Source: Windows Fundamental (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Central)

• Solid red with white X icon — Lets yous know that OneDrive is running, but there are sync problems.

Source: Windows Key (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Primal)

Files and folders statuses

• White deject with bluish borders icon — Indicates the file is available only with an net connexion, and it is non using infinite on the local storage. You will need to double-click the file to finish the download and open information technology with an app.
• White icon with green borders and checkmark icon — File is available offline. Yous can open it without an internet connection, and it is using local storage space.
• Solid green with white checkmark icon — Indicates that you are using the "Always go along on this device" selection to ensure important files are available offline.
• Solid red with white Ten icon — Indicates a problem trying to sync a detail folder or file.
• Cloud icon with arrows forming a circumvolve — Indicates a file is currently syncing to the deject service.

Source: Windows Fundamental (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Central)

How to use Files On-Demand with OneDrive

OneDrive Files On-Demand is a feature that enables y'all to access your entire collection of files using File Explorer without having to download them to your device.

When the feature is enabled, OneDrive will only download small pieces of data to make the content visible on the computer, allowing y'all to sync hundreds of gigabytes without utilizing the local infinite quickly. However, you volition need an internet connection to open up files that you practice not explicitly make available offline or did not already open up.

Files On-Demand should come enabled by default, merely if it is not, you can enable it with these steps:

1. Click the OneDrive (deject) button from the notification area.
2. Click the Help & Settings carte.
3. Select the Settings option.

Source: Windows Fundamental (Image credit: Source: Windows Primal)

4. Click the Settings tab.
5. Under the "Files On-Demand" section, check the Save infinite and download files as y'all use them option.Quick tip: In the aforementioned manner, if the feature is not for you, then articulate the selection to disable information technology.

Source: Windows Central (Paradigm credit: Source: Windows Central)

6. Click the OK button.

In one case you consummate the steps, OneDrive Files On-Need will be enabled on the device.

Manage Files On-Demand

Y'all can too manage your files in different ways. Here's how:

1. Open OneDrive folder.
2. Correct-click the file or folder and choose i of the options:
   • Free up space: Makes a file available simply with an internet connection while saving hard drive space.
   • Ever continue on this device: Ensures the content is always bachelor offline, but it'll utilize hard drive space.

Source: Windows Fundamental (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Central)

Later you complete the steps, depending on your pick, the files will always be kept on the device or only with an internet connection to save storage space.

You can likewise utilize OneDrive to share files with family, friends, or colleagues. Instead of copying files using a USB flash drive or sending emails, the cloud storage service lets yous share virtually any files with anyone. This is possible by creating a secure link that others can employ to access the content, and you can revoke it at any time.

To share files with OneDrive on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open up OneDrive folder.
2. Right-click the file and select the Share pick.

Source: Windows Primal (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

3. (Optional) Click the Anyone with the link can edit option.
4. Clear the Permit editing choice if you desire someone else to only view the file.Quick tip: If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription or OneDrive plan, yous can also ready the expiration date and password for the file you lot are sharing.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Cardinal)

5. Click the Utilise button.
6. Specify the electronic mail address if you'll be sending the link to some other person. Or click the Copy Link option to re-create the link to the clipboard.

Source: Windows Cardinal (Prototype credit: Source: Windows Cardinal)

7. Click the Transport button.
8. Click the Shut push.

Later on you consummate the steps, the recipient will receive the link to access the shared files. If you lot copied the link, you could paste the link on an email or social media post to share the content.

Cease sharing file in OneDrive

To stop sharing a particular file stored in the cloud, use these steps:

1. Open OneDrive folder.
2. Right-click the shared file and select the Share option.

Source: Windows Fundamental (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Central)

3. Click the three-dotted button in the height-right corner.
4. Select the Manage access pick.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Primal)

5. Click the Remove link (X) button.
6. Click the Edit push for the email account for which you want to stop admission.
7. Click the Stop sharing option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Key)

8. Repeat steps No. half-dozen and seven to remove other users (as necessary).

Once you consummate the steps, the files will no longer exist accessible past other people.

How to restore previous version of files in OneDrive

Similar to the web version, the OneDrive integration with File Explorer includes "version history," a characteristic that allows y'all to view and restore older versions of files, including Office documents, pictures, videos, and almost whatever type of files, including folders.

To view and restore a previous version of a file in OneDrive, use these steps:

1. Open OneDrive folder.
2. Right-click the shared file and select the Version history choice.Quick tip: If the file is open, close information technology before restoring a previous version.

Source: Windows Key (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

3. View all the available versions of the file.
4. Select the version you want to restore and click the three-dotted button.
5. Click the Restore selection.

Source: Windows Central (Prototype credit: Source: Windows Central)

After you complete the steps, the version you selected volition replace the older version of the file available in the cloud storage service.

How to set up Personal Vault with OneDrive

Personal Vault is a feature available for OneDrive users that provides a protected expanse to shop sensitive files (such as confidential documents, personal records, pictures, etc.) using more robust security with 2-cistron hallmark like biometrics, PIN, too as email or phone code, in addition to the typical sign-in process to admission the service.

To set up OneDrive Personal Vault, use these steps:

1. Click the OneDrive (cloud) button from the notification area.
2. Click the Assist & Settings menu.
3. Click the Unlock Personal Vault carte.Quick note: You may also encounter a Get started button when opening the OneDrive app, which can also assist you ready the feature.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Primal)

4. Click the Next push.

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5. Click the Allow push button.

Source: Windows Key (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

6. Continue with the on-screen directions to verify your account.

In one case you complete the steps, you lot tin can start saving files to the secure area of OneDrive. If you accept boosted devices, you will need to repeat the instructions anywhere you want to access the files.

The feature is bachelor at no extra price, just you will need a Microsoft 365 subscription to store more than 3 files. (You lot can always get effectually this limitation using this workaround.)

The feature is part of the client, just you tin enable it on your OneDrive account.

If you want to admission the files once more, you can open Personal Vault by double-clicking the icon inside the OneDrive folder and following the on-screen directions to sign in. The folder volition somewhen close automatically, but yous tin can lock it past right-clicking the icon and selecting the Lock Personal Vault choice. (Y'all tin can acquire more than almost using this security feature with this guide.)

How to check storage usage in OneDrive

Microsoft offers a costless tier of OneDrive, but it includes only 5GB of infinite. If you program to store a lot of data (including photos and videos), y'all can always upgrade your account to 100GB by opting into a $1.99 per-calendar month subscription.

If you need even more storage, yous can switch to a Microsoft 365 Personal subscription, which includes 1TB of OneDrive storage and admission to the suite of Office applications and much more.

To view the current storage usage of OneDrive, use these steps:

1. Click the OneDrive (cloud) button from the notification area.
2. Click the Help & Settings menu.
3. Click on Settings.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

4. Click the Business relationship tab.
5. Under the "OneDrive" department, confirm the storage usage and how much space you take left.

Source: Windows Key (Image credit: Source: Windows Key)

If y'all are running low on space, click the Get more storage link to open OneDrive on the web to select the subscription plan that best fits your situation.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to mutual questions near Windows x, visit the following resources:

• Windows x on Windows Central — All yous need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Fundamental

Mauro Huculak is technical author for WindowsCentral.com. His master focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to assistance users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional person certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he'southward a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP customs.

Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-get-started-onedrive-windows-10

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