If you use a PC or a laptop with Windows 10, a Microsoft Surface tablet, or an Xbox One console, you have undoubtedly come across OneDrive, even if you don't use it. The same is true if you are using Office 365. You might have seen OneDrive even on your Android smartphone. Are you asking yourself: What is OneDrive? Do you want to know what OneDrive's benefits are and why you should be using it? Read this article and find out everything you need to know about OneDrive:
What is OneDrive?
OneDrive is Microsoft's storage service for hosting files in the cloud. It is available for free to all the owners of a Microsoft account. OneDrive offers you a simple way to store, sync, and share your files. Windows 10 uses OneDrive also to synchronize system settings, visual customizations, themes, app settings, and even Microsoft Edge's tabs, browsing history, and saved passwords.
The OneDrive logo
You can access the files stored in your OneDrive directly from a web browser, straight from Windows 10, or a OneDrive app on your PC or device. Microsoft has developed OneDrive apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Xbox, and all versions of Windows.
OneDrive access using a web browser
Historical Note: Until January 2014, OneDrive used to be named SkyDrive. Before that, just until the launch of Windows 8, it was called Windows Live SkyDrive. More information on the history of this service and its previous names can be found on Wikipedia: OneDrive History.
Why should you use Microsoft's OneDrive?
There are quite a few reasons, ranging from easy access to your cloud storage space on any device, to how easy it is to share stuff from OneDrive, and going all the way to what an excellent backup solution OneDrive is. Here is why we believe you should use OneDrive:
Starting to use Microsoft OneDrive does not cost a thing: it is free, as long as you make do with the default 5 GB of free storage space it offers. That is a good starting point for anyone who wants to store more than a few files in the cloud.
Also, in Windows 10, Microsoft configures OneDrive to be the default saving place for your documents. If you let it, OneDrive can automatically save backups of your files to the cloud, and automatically sync them to your other devices on which you have OneDrive set up. If your hard drive or SSD fails, you have your documents readily available in OneDrive, thus avoiding the loss of important files.
OneDrive can protect important folders from your PCs
You can even set OneDrive to automatically upload files (photos and videos) from your Android smartphone or your iPhone, so that you never risk losing them.
What is OneDrive in Windows 10?
Microsoft OneDrive is omnipresent in Windows 10, which is the most used operating system for PCs. That also means that you do not have to do anything special to get OneDrive in Windows 10. By default, OneDrive is installed with Windows 10, and all you have to do to access your cloud files is to open the OneDrive folder in File Explorer.
The OneDrive folder from Windows 10
You can use OneDrive to sync your settings across different Windows 10 PCs. If you are using Windows 10 (or Windows 8.1) devices or an Xbox One gaming console, and you configure them to use the same Microsoft account, they can back up and sync not only your files, but also your settings and customization options.
Having your devices sync settings and customization details in your OneDrive means that you can benefit from the same or as similar as possible user experience on all of them.
You can use OneDrive for backup. OneDrive has become an affordable solution, and it is cheaper than many similar products, including Dropbox. It can be used as a great backup solution, as it meets the essential criteria: it is affordable, it offers plenty of storage space, it is accessible on all important platforms, and it is well integrated with Office 365 and Windows 10.
Auto Save options available in OneDrive for Windows 10
Another excellent feature of OneDrive's app for Windows 10 is something called Files On-Demand. This feature lets you use OneDrive to save storage space on your Windows 10 computers and devices. How does OneDrive do that? By saving copies of your files only in the cloud, and downloading them to your PC only when you open them or if you manually set them to be always available offline.
OneDrive Files On-Demand: always available, locally available, and online-only files
Furthermore, in Windows 7 and Windows 10, you can use OneDrive to access any of the files on your PCs, even if they're not stored in your OneDrive folder and synced to the cloud. This feature is called fetch files, and all you need to make it work is change a few settings in OneDrive's app.
Let me use OneDrive to fetch any of my files on this PC
What is OneDrive for smartphones and tablets?
Microsoft has worked hard on getting OneDrive on all the major computing platforms. They have developed OneDrive apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. You can install the OneDrive apps on all your devices to safely access and sync your files in the cloud from anywhere.
The OneDrive app for Android
The OneDrive apps for Android and iOS also let you backup the photos and videos shot with your Android smartphone or iPhone, automatically. A few settings to be made, and you should never worry about losing your photos ever again.
Making OneDrive for iOS to upload pictures automatically, in the background
OneDrive for mobile devices has become so advanced in the last years that it even lets you scan whiteboards, documents, business cards, and photos, using any Android smartphone or iPhone.
If you need any of the Microsoft OneDrive apps, you can download them from the official OneDrive website here: Download OneDrive.
How to use OneDrive to share files
Everything in your OneDrive is already stored online in a cloud storage service, and sharing any of your files or folders from it is a breeze, pun intended. 🙂 OneDrive makes it easy to share your files with whomever you want: a few clicks or taps, and your files are shared directly with the person(s) you choose. You can also choose to use OneDrive to get links (even temporary ones) that you can share on any medium online by pasting them. The people who click or tap on your links gain instant access to the linked files, in any web browser they might be using.
Sharing files and folders from the OneDrive website
How much storage space does OneDrive offer?
OneDrive offers 5 GB of storage space for free. Older users of the service were able to claim 15 or even 25 GB of free space. There are a few ways in which you can add more free space to your OneDrive. For instance, if you recommend this service to your friends, you can earn up to 10 GB of free OneDrive storage. You can find other ways to increase the free storage space in this guide: 6 ways to add more storage space to your OneDrive.
The Manage Storage options available for OneDrive
You can host any type of files on OneDrive, as long as they are not bigger than 15 GB each. This file size restriction is true regardless of the way you choose to upload your files.
If you need additional space, OneDrive offers a few storage plans you can purchase for a monthly fee:
OneDrive 100 GB - 100 GB for $1.99/month
Office 365 Personal - 1TB for $69.99/year or $6.99/month. This plan includes a full license for Office 365.
Office 365 Home for 6 users - 6TB (1TB per user) for $99.99/year or $9.99/month. This plan includes a full license of Office 365, which can be installed and used by up to six users at the same time.
The free and paid plans available for OneDrive
You can find all the available subscription plans here: OneDrive Plans.
How to uninstall OneDrive from your PC?
We noticed that, despite all its features and positive aspects, some of our readers don't like OneDrive and want to get rid of it. The good news for those of you who don't want to use OneDrive is that it is easy to remove. On mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, just remove the OneDrive app. To uninstall OneDrive from Windows, follow the steps from this tutorial: How to uninstall OneDrive from Windows (all versions).
Do you use Microsoft OneDrive?
Have you been using OneDrive for a long time? We got so accustomed to having OneDrive on our computers and devices, that we can no longer imagine them without it. We would love to hear what you think about OneDrive and what it has to offer, so do not hesitate to leave a comment in the section below.
I just bought a new laptop with windows 10 and
OneDrive. I am totally geek, uploaded my photos from my phone and of course used all the storage space it comes with . Can j transfer the photos to my hard drive and if so…how?!
AlbyG ·
Don’t like Microsoft Privacy Policy, no matter if it’s required by law or not. The cloud is nothing more than another means to track people to target them with unwanted advertisements or be spied upon by Big Brother. Big Brother and advertisers just love apps like “The Cloud”. Even though the benefits are great in apps like this, there is still a price to pay, your limited privacy. I call it digital blackmail.
kevin ·
Switching to OneDrive now. I have had trouble with Word in saving documents and lost a lot of time and completed work and noticed that OneDrive allows you to use versions of Word which are continually updated by MS. I think this has already solved that problem.
But what about security? To what extent can others get access to my information via the Share facility or otherwise?
Anonymous ·
You can enable two-step verification and share files using links that expire after a given time.
LB ·
This seems to be just what I’m looking for, I just don’t want it to pull any file I don’t intentionally want it to. I use google photos,and I’d hate it if OneDrive tried to backup my photos. I really just want a place to put tv shows or movies, and be able to access them elsewhere. (Does this make sense?) Thanks!
marianne ·
I don’t like it! It has made sharing and posting pics on websites impossible because of inability to figure the damn thing out.
Digital Citizen 1001001 ·
I wish people would stop calling cloud services cloud services as I think it creates a wrong impression. If i went up to a stranger on the street and asked him to upload all his pictures to my phone and I can send some back when he phones me. I just became a cloud service. Nothing stopping me from looking at photos of his wife.
Robert Lofland ·
Not sure my OneDrive is set up correctly. Don’t find several of the screens shown in this article. I have had issues with not syncing like I think is should. Also had file couldn’t find in the OneDrive folder on computer but in Excel is show it in OneDrive Personal.
Nadine R Anderson ·
In all your touting if the greatness of OneDrive I saw nothing assuring me of the privacy of using that. Would not that be a marvelous place for hackers to work at finding ways to get in? Then they wuld have access to info from many many people.
Anonymous ·
You can secure it with two-factor authentication. Also, your PC is easier to hack than OneDrive, Dropbox or another cloud storage provider.
tyzhang ·
Reading this article is a total waste of time because the whole article is just an ad-like document. It tells you just WHAT cloud can do (which probably everyone understands) but nothing about HOW to do it. (For example, how to set up the devices which share the cloud storage, how to put files or folders into cloud, etc.)
Anonymous ·
This is an overview article. Access the links inside the article or search for OneDrive on our website. We have dozens of tutorials about this service.
PhillipT ·
I am using OneDrive all the time to store my files and pictures. I am little disappoint that most article only mention about Cloud storage and backup. It is more than that. On OneDrive Android, it shows me pictures the events happened on the same day of previous years or happened in last month. Many event I forgot and OneDrive remind me and my wife.
For Windows OneDrive, I store files there but none of article ever mention of Office 365 saved version. For me, this is a very useful features. If I made an error of current document, I could go back to any previous version, and either merge to current version or save to another file. Give it a try.
Rad ·
Have had Onedrive since win 10 first came out. I have not and will never use it. Reason? Have Win 10 Office Pro, Excel, Powerpoint and every time MS updates there are unnecessary often useless changes within the programs. And the MS habit of syncing everything!! Conclusion One Drive is not secure, So my puter is backed up to to a external standalone 1.5TB drive. And from time to time I peek into OneDrive to make sure it is empty. Must be great for folks who collect recipes pictures and pop tunes. Not a place where I’d put my confidential correspondence or finances.
Ann Cerniglia ·
I don’t want to use it.
Ray Barnes ·
For me, MS seems to place too much emphasis on syncing with Onedrive as if there are tons of people who use their laptops offline. I personally cannot imagine using my laptop offline. I wish MS would just acknowledge that many people never use their devices offline; they are mainly interested in having a secure and easy place to put files in case their device crashes. What I would really like is to go to the cloud, work on my files and just leave them there safely until I need to work on them or see them again. Why can’t MS have an option for this? All the syncing stuff just seems to add another layer of complication…as if things weren’t complicated enough.
Jen ·
I wanted to learn about One Drive and your article was the most helpful information I have found so far. The article answered questions that I had about One Drive and helped me to better understand how it works. Thank you.
Barbara Reynolds ·
I have had an email from Microsoft saying they are about to delete my One drive. I didn’t even know I had Onedrive or what it is for. My operating system is Windows 7 Home Premium
Could I have been using it without being aware of it?
How do I find out if I have anything on Onedrive? I have never used cloud storage that I am aware of.
richard schwartz ·
How does OneDrive benefit Microsoft Corporation? Do they mine the information I deposit there to learn more about me?
Pat ·
I do not like one drive. On my new PC I kept getting messages that my one drive is full. Never heard of it how could it be full? I don’t like being bugged about things I don’t use. I store my pics on the PC and a backup drive. That’s it.
John Dickerson ·
What a wonderful article on One Drive: found out; it was free, it’s on all Win 10 machines, can’t live without it, all the past names, sync with other computers, and a bunch of other stuff, everything but how to use it.
Jerry ·
Not a fan at all. Mysteriously, some apps save to One Drive and not to my desktop. Therefore, sometimes I don’t know where they are located. Having to go to One Drive to find them is a pain.
Gil ·
OneDrive came installed and SET TO AUTOSAVE my photos. I filled it in no time and thought my files were gone or corrupt. I got it turned off then had to do research to find out what the hell was going on. Seems like a good service but MS should ASK me first!!
richard reid ·
I am 86 years, I only have computer for sending odd letters, reading news, sending e-mails to family, playing games. I don’t need a big file or a “cloud”.
I want my files, photos kept on my computer as it has enough room for it. The cloud does nothing for me other than create an unnecessary inconvenience. Why do you want to force me into it. I want a simple application is all
Steve ·
What about security protocols? How secure is One Drive? Nothing was said about that.
Steve
S Hissem ·
I checked one drive for my files and found them corrupted with what looked like Chinese characters. That’s why I hate one drive.
WIND ·
You add more and more convolution and confusion time and time again. Why? To stay in business… hahahaha
Sandy Kerr ·
I guess I did not have a lot of storage on my one drive when I first got my computer. I had a message in my email that I was about out of storage, so I deleted some files from it to make more storage, however, it now looks like the files I deleted from one drive are also gone on my PC. Does this happen? I thought I went ahead and bought more storage, but I am not sure. Any info would be helpful. Thanks!
Nancy ·
The same happened to me, I am flipping furious that it was auto set to save everything to onedrive and not a copy to my computer. I get the notice about storage and so I got to manage storage and bang I realize in the middle it is deleting it from my pc. Took hours to figure out how to move stuff over to C: drive appropriately, but now I find I lost files, my complete last month of work. What the hell were these people thinking???? What right did they have to auto – set something like that. They violated my private right to my own computer and saving information. They robbed me of my work. Astounded.!!!! While it would be nice to have a place to back up, I would like to choose what and when goes out there, it should never be automatic, and It should not be removed from your computer by a cloud application. So Pissed!
Bob Blackie ·
I agree. All clouds make it incredibly difficult to retrieve your data and in effect trap you. In home storage should be safe, in spite of the scare tactics. At least you can get at it for use with other apps.
onedrive is confusing, remove it and my files no longer load, had to reinstall it.
Jim Prohaska ·
ONEDRIVE is terrible – does not approach the speed and functionality of DropBox. No matter what I do it will not unistall. VERY SLOW – support told me the reason it is so slow is it is designed to go FASTER than 125 Kpps.
Joseph Guerriero ·
No NOT a fan – I’m a retired teacher on fixed income – why do I have to use something I don’t want or need and then pay MORE to get more of I don’t want/need. Microsoft already has enough of my money!
LML ·
I don’t want to use OneDrive. I don’t want it taking my emails etc. How do I stop it?
Anonymous ·
It doesn’t take your e-mails. Why do you say that?
Gary ·
Doesn’t interest me at all. I don’t need to be on the cloud.
G S ·
Never wanted it, Never used it, Never needed it, just one more redundant waste of time
Ray ·
Different tact. What if I do not create and share documents or serve up files or photos to share, and I am not interested in accessing my files from a myriad of hardware platforms? Do I need Onedrive to be active if I ONLY want to add photos from a device (ex: phone or camera) or to move music or photos from an old computer to a new one?
Anonymous ·
Ron, thanks for sharing this complete perspective. I’m sure people reading your comment are going to find it useful.
Elizabeth Salazar ·
Can I save all my videos and pictures in addition to my documents on OneDrive?
Anonymous ·
Yes, you can. 😉
Wayne a Ryan ·
One drive was added to my computer as an upgrade without notice and now I am out of memory and cannot access my files or look at the “G” drive they added to my computer. This truly sucks
Mubarak ·
This explanatory note is helpful for users of Microsoft applications.
Thanks for the useful guidelines to OneDrive.
Vineyard ·
If I edit a naked picture of Shirl on this laptop, does that mean it shows up on the desktop my grandson is using for games?
Anonymous ·
Only if he is using your Microsoft account, and you use OneDrive to sync files between computers, and you save the picture in a folder that is synchronized by OneDrive.
Jaspal Kaur ·
If i delete file from one drive…will d same file delete also from my sd card
Ganiyu ·
How long can I store my files in onebox?
wayne avion ·
what if I dont want to store my privacy on one drive
what if I dont want one drive
What if I dont have confidence in the security of one drive
Sarah ·
Why did onedrive require storage space on my pc when I tried to sign in?
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
To sync your files from OneDrive to your computer. It needs to download them. However, if there are no files on OneDrive, don’t worry. OneDrive won’t need any storage space.
Eddie ·
Do I lose my stored data in onedrive if i reset my laptop to factory setting?
Sitaram ·
Can we backup the files on daily basis on one drive?
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
After you install and configure the OneDrive app, it can backup your files automatically, as they change.
Sandra Simpson ·
I was on the phone, for almost two hours, having a Microsoft person help me with a non-responding Word. It seems all of my documents were erased from OneDrive… Can I recover them???
I send files from onedrive to recipients and they cannot open them. I want to uninstall it and can’t find how to do that.
Judy ·
It is on my hard drive also. So if I delete some of the storage on the one drive will I lose what I have on my hard drive? Are they connected?
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
Yes, they are connected and synced.
Barb Flavin ·
I’m a very casual user of Microsoft. I no longer work, I do not collaborate with anyone, I do not share my files, I do not need off site storage of my files.
So…I don’t think I need it and it’s driving me crazy that the “Software download complete…Install Now” message keeps popping up. I did not ask for it to download. I resent that that message pops up without saying what it is for.
So why don’t I get a choice as to whether or not I want it?
Thank you.
Carl ·
Can my data in the cloud be used like it was on my computer. Meaning while software is running and the need to get to my data is needed that it will work?
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
You data from the cloud can be accessed at any time and downloaded on any device that you are using, so that you can work with it.
Janice Nusbaum ·
I guess I’m really old school. I don’t like someone else holding my files. I especially don’t want MicroSoft to save my files to OneCloud. Can’t seem to get around this invasion of privacy. I don’t want to access my files from just any place. Looks like I’m hostage to a GIANT that is not flexible.
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
Just don’t store any files in the OneDrive folder and you are good to go. Microsoft will not store your files.
Judith Kirkham ·
My one drive is full. Can I delete the files from One Drive without deleting everything on MY PC.
Vic Stein ·
I don’t want one drive . Can I avoid using it on Windows10? I have a new computer and do not understand any of it . I want to retain my files on my own external hard drive. I do not wish to share with Microsoft or anyone.
Codrut Neagu ·
You can avoid using it if you want so. For instance, you can create a local user account and simply don't use the OneDrive folder.
pam ·
what happens if several people are making changes to the same document at the same time. when they save will others work be lost?
Brian-jon Josephs ·
If i put my files in onedrive and then wipe my laptop will the files still be there when i fully reboot ?
Codrut Neagu ·
Yes. Your files will still be in your OneDrive. After you reinstall your device, you'll just have to let OneDrive sync and you'll get everything back.
Anne Drissel ·
Why are the comments on this topic dated from earliest (2011) to most recent (September 2015). Should have newest posted first!!!!
Page ·
Can I remove a file from one drive but not my hard drive. Is it delete or unsung or what
Tania Franklin ·
I have one drive on my tablet and microsoft office. Once I sign up do I always have to have the internet to access office?
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
No. It works also when you are offline.
Caroline ·
I used to be able to attach Excel files to e-mails with no problem. now when I try to do this, I find the file, click on it, and the Onecloud screen pops up asking if I want to open or save–I don’t get it–how do I attach Excel files from Windows 7 to Outlook e-mails?
Carolyn Hare ·
What is the purpose of OneDrive? Is it necessary for a practicing Computer user? I do not understand the reason it is presently uploading 2,926 files.
Tammy ·
Just got OneDrive and it’s full of my daughters iPhone pics. How did they get in my drive? This is fracking creepy. Who else has her pics? So very not acceptable.
Reddy ·
Difference between Onedrive and Dropbox ?
Husky ·
Hi,
I have downloaded OneDrive on my laptop and it has created a directory with 3 folders – Documents, Music & Pictures.
I have copied into these folders files that I want to access via other devices.
My question is that does the fact that I have copied files into the folders mean that I am using storage on my laptop for storing those files ?…
To me it seems that I am using storage on my laptop rather than the free storage that I have been given by OneDrive !!
Appreciate any clarifications, hints, tips etc etc…..thanks
Taslim ·
Hi!
I want to re-install Windows 7 and I have OneDrive software on my laptop which will delete everything on it. So, I was wondering will the installation also delete my OneDrive file from the online account as well?
Codrut Neagu ·
No… any file you saved in the cloud (on OneDrive) remains there. It’s not stored on your computer, it’s stored on Microsoft’s servers. However, if you think that there are files that didn’t yet sync with your OneDrive, you can check if you have them online from any browser, here: https://onedrive.com
Taslim Hossain ·
Thank you so much! You were really helpful.
Brian Primer ·
Your reassurances about ‘OneDrive’ security do not meet my requirements. Further the OneDrive software is contaminating my computer in that it interferes with the saving of email attachments (it blocks the saving to local drives) This blocking is a severe disadvantage to me please stop it or explain how I can circumvent it
Ray Goulstone ·
I am trying to synchronize my Onenote folders between two computers. One uses Onedrive and one uses Live. Can I get the computer that uses Live to convert to Onedrive, so that I don’t have to go thru an elaborate signon procedure?
Jeff Hohlstein ·
All of our devices have OneDrive installed: Windows 7 on the PC’s, Android on the TAB’s, we also have MS365 so I’m assuming 1TB storage. Right now we use it strictly to keep active documents handy wherever we are. I’m considering OneDrive to be our Cloud Backup for 2 Android TAB’s, 2 PC’s, 2 Android Phones, and one MS Surface TAB. Is this the right Cloud for us? How do we set it up so that if Malware contaminates our computers, it can’t affect our OneDrive files?
Haadi ·
Hello, I was using my this account since 2011. When it changed to Microsoft Outlook I lost all my emails & skydrive data. Anyone can help me to recover it 🙁
kenny ·
Hello again. I wanted to share a video to facebook. When I share the link, everyone had access to my whom OneDrive account. Why does that happen? Thanks
Holo4721 ·
If your video file is shared by link… That file is only visible to everyone. If your folder directory, includes your shared file is public. It might be able for everyone to see your files inside the folder. It depends if your folder is public or not as private.
kenny ·
Hello. Does OneDrive take up phone space on my Windows Phone? My phone tells me me memory full or almost full. I’ve deleted many photos and videos and apps. And still stay full. I’m thinking OneDrive is included in using up phone memory. Is that true?? Thanks
Jay Parker ·
Honestly, give me a 64G tiny USB memory stick. Cheap, take anywhere.
When it does fill up, buy a new one. More secure, more private.
Just sayin’.
momi-ginge ·
With you on that one Jay, why take a risk where none needed!
dj rox ·
good try mr.
Virgile ·
On my RT device I can see a Sky Drive and a One Drive folder with the same documents. If I delete the SkyDrive documents will it effect the OneDrive documents already saved in it?
Terry Ward ·
Hi
I have a thinking out of the box question. If I am running Office 365 Home on my desktop pc and another laptop pc. Is it possible to sync the Outlook 2013 desktop of both pc’s using Onedrive?
My thought is that if the PST file is synced from my desktop to Onedrive and the same with the laptop, as long as both pc’s are not on at the same time. When each device is turned on would it not sync with Onedrive and therefore update and therefore be kept in sync?
Ellis Hankins ·
SkyDrive suddenly disappeared from the list of places on the left margin of my “This PC” dialog box. I can get to my saved SkyDrive documents, but how do I get SkyDrive back on that list so it is easily clickable?
Mukund ·
what happens if I delete a file that is in the sky drive folder? Will the server have it?
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
It will be deleted from the server too. However, on the SkyDrive website, you may find it in the Recycle bin, for a couple of days more, until it is completely deleted.
Lee ·
I was wanting to edit a document on my work computer through my private hotmail account & it went to Sky Drive to edit the document. Then I saved the document. Does everyone at my work see this? or is it only accessed through my private email account?
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
What is stored on the SkyDrive is accessible to others only if you shared it with them or they hacked your account.
Pixyjane ·
I have tried to send photos to other via skydrive and no-one can open them, they are as small as postage stamps. What am I, they, doing wrong
julie ·
I want to send a family document to a relative but it is 48 MB. Is it simple and safe to send this by skydrive? My relative has no means of reading it on a CD.
Laurie Madden ·
I need something that I can put my files in , then delete them from my computor, so i can save space … will skydrive work? yes or no please.
How do I send a SkyDrive file of photos to Walgreens for printing?
Sudeep Acharya ·
Is there any great advantages of using Skydrive over dropbox?
In terms of speed Dropbox Rocks….
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
Uploading and downloading files in SkyDrive is just as fast. At least in Romania, I find it faster than Dropbox.
rosie ·
If I upload pix and vids to skydrive can I delete them off my phone (to save phone memory space) but still have access to them on file with skydrive? Does the same go with dropbox?
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
With the SkyDrive phone app you can access and download on request any files you wish. Your SkyDrive is not automatically downloaded to your phone due to space & bandwidth constraints.
You can browse your files and pick and choose you want to download.
Anders ·
I use syncDriver for SkyDrive because I have an old computer with the Windows XP installed. https://syncdriver.com
Joyce ·
What is syncDriver? I have XP too. Must I get this in order to use SkyDrive?
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
syncDriver is a desktop application that serves as client software for the Microsoft SkyDrive cloud file storage solution. It is an unnoficial SkyDrive client.
The official SkyDrive application currently isn’t supported on Windows XP. If you try to install it on a computer running Windows XP, you’ll get the message “SkyDriveSetup.exe is not a valid Win32 application.”
syncDriver on the other hand, promises Windows XP compatibility.
Luzan Baral ·
So, what is different with skydrive and dropbox, are there any advantage of skydrive over dropbox. I use both services though.
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
Two main advantages: Pricing (SkyDrive is cheaper) and the free space provided by SkyDrive is higher.
Dropbox has the advantage of being available for more platforms than SkyDrive.
Thanks for this question. I think we will publish a more detailed comparison in the next few days.
DullGlow@ ·
I wish that what you say, Ciprian, were true, but I’m just not getting the two-way syncing some people talk about with SkyDrive. 🙁
S/Drv will certainly download files from the sky if it finds them missing on my linked PC, but changes to files here going up to the sky? Nope. 🙁
Sunil Sharma ·
If I have a shy Drive folder on my computer and what if I accidentally delete those files from my PC. the next time it is synchronized will my data on the sky drive also will be deleted or not???
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
If you delete a file from a folder that is synchronized by SkyDrive, the deletion is replicated on the SkyDrive servers as well. If you deleted something accidentally – use the recycle bin to recover it.
If that is not possible, turn off the SkyDrive client on your computer, access SkyDrive from a browser and download the file from there, prior to the deletion being synchronized.
momi-ginge ·
What are the security implications of using SkyDrive? Am I being paranoid, or does it give easy access to my data to anyone who can hack my password?
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
That's a security issue with all cloud storage solutions. If someone steals your password, it has access to the data you stored on the SkyDrive. That's why we recommend our readers to be mindful when creating and managing their passwords: Password Security – Turn Your Dumb Habits Into Geek Habits.
Rick Robinette ·
Another option to access Windows Live SkyDrive is through SDExplorer. This app allows you to access your SkyDrive files directly from Windows Explorer.
Yes, Skydrive provides users many more benefits than any other type of folder save/share/collaboration tool in existence. Why I only hear about one everyday–Dropbox–puzzles me.
Asfand ·
If i upload my picture on onedrive,will it
Be safe ? Would anyone else be able to see them if i dont share ? Will the creators of one drive be able to see those pictures ?
Tim ·
It should be safe try printing photos from it
1001001 ·
I wish people would stop calling cloud services cloud services as I think it creates a wrong impression. If i went up to a stranger on the street and asked him to upload all his pictures to my phone from his phone and I can send some back when he phones me. I just became a cloud service. Nothing stopping me from looking at photos of his wife.
Discussion (123)
I just bought a new laptop with windows 10 and
OneDrive. I am totally geek, uploaded my photos from my phone and of course used all the storage space it comes with . Can j transfer the photos to my hard drive and if so…how?!
Don’t like Microsoft Privacy Policy, no matter if it’s required by law or not. The cloud is nothing more than another means to track people to target them with unwanted advertisements or be spied upon by Big Brother. Big Brother and advertisers just love apps like “The Cloud”. Even though the benefits are great in apps like this, there is still a price to pay, your limited privacy. I call it digital blackmail.
Switching to OneDrive now. I have had trouble with Word in saving documents and lost a lot of time and completed work and noticed that OneDrive allows you to use versions of Word which are continually updated by MS. I think this has already solved that problem.
But what about security? To what extent can others get access to my information via the Share facility or otherwise?
You can enable two-step verification and share files using links that expire after a given time.
This seems to be just what I’m looking for, I just don’t want it to pull any file I don’t intentionally want it to. I use google photos,and I’d hate it if OneDrive tried to backup my photos. I really just want a place to put tv shows or movies, and be able to access them elsewhere. (Does this make sense?) Thanks!
I don’t like it! It has made sharing and posting pics on websites impossible because of inability to figure the damn thing out.
I wish people would stop calling cloud services cloud services as I think it creates a wrong impression. If i went up to a stranger on the street and asked him to upload all his pictures to my phone and I can send some back when he phones me. I just became a cloud service. Nothing stopping me from looking at photos of his wife.
Not sure my OneDrive is set up correctly. Don’t find several of the screens shown in this article. I have had issues with not syncing like I think is should. Also had file couldn’t find in the OneDrive folder on computer but in Excel is show it in OneDrive Personal.
In all your touting if the greatness of OneDrive I saw nothing assuring me of the privacy of using that. Would not that be a marvelous place for hackers to work at finding ways to get in? Then they wuld have access to info from many many people.
You can secure it with two-factor authentication. Also, your PC is easier to hack than OneDrive, Dropbox or another cloud storage provider.
Reading this article is a total waste of time because the whole article is just an ad-like document. It tells you just WHAT cloud can do (which probably everyone understands) but nothing about HOW to do it. (For example, how to set up the devices which share the cloud storage, how to put files or folders into cloud, etc.)
This is an overview article. Access the links inside the article or search for OneDrive on our website. We have dozens of tutorials about this service.
I am using OneDrive all the time to store my files and pictures. I am little disappoint that most article only mention about Cloud storage and backup. It is more than that. On OneDrive Android, it shows me pictures the events happened on the same day of previous years or happened in last month. Many event I forgot and OneDrive remind me and my wife.
For Windows OneDrive, I store files there but none of article ever mention of Office 365 saved version. For me, this is a very useful features. If I made an error of current document, I could go back to any previous version, and either merge to current version or save to another file. Give it a try.
Have had Onedrive since win 10 first came out. I have not and will never use it. Reason? Have Win 10 Office Pro, Excel, Powerpoint and every time MS updates there are unnecessary often useless changes within the programs. And the MS habit of syncing everything!! Conclusion One Drive is not secure, So my puter is backed up to to a external standalone 1.5TB drive. And from time to time I peek into OneDrive to make sure it is empty. Must be great for folks who collect recipes pictures and pop tunes. Not a place where I’d put my confidential correspondence or finances.
I don’t want to use it.
For me, MS seems to place too much emphasis on syncing with Onedrive as if there are tons of people who use their laptops offline. I personally cannot imagine using my laptop offline. I wish MS would just acknowledge that many people never use their devices offline; they are mainly interested in having a secure and easy place to put files in case their device crashes. What I would really like is to go to the cloud, work on my files and just leave them there safely until I need to work on them or see them again. Why can’t MS have an option for this? All the syncing stuff just seems to add another layer of complication…as if things weren’t complicated enough.
I wanted to learn about One Drive and your article was the most helpful information I have found so far. The article answered questions that I had about One Drive and helped me to better understand how it works. Thank you.
I have had an email from Microsoft saying they are about to delete my One drive. I didn’t even know I had Onedrive or what it is for. My operating system is Windows 7 Home Premium
Could I have been using it without being aware of it?
How do I find out if I have anything on Onedrive? I have never used cloud storage that I am aware of.
How does OneDrive benefit Microsoft Corporation? Do they mine the information I deposit there to learn more about me?
I do not like one drive. On my new PC I kept getting messages that my one drive is full. Never heard of it how could it be full? I don’t like being bugged about things I don’t use. I store my pics on the PC and a backup drive. That’s it.
What a wonderful article on One Drive: found out; it was free, it’s on all Win 10 machines, can’t live without it, all the past names, sync with other computers, and a bunch of other stuff, everything but how to use it.
Not a fan at all. Mysteriously, some apps save to One Drive and not to my desktop. Therefore, sometimes I don’t know where they are located. Having to go to One Drive to find them is a pain.
OneDrive came installed and SET TO AUTOSAVE my photos. I filled it in no time and thought my files were gone or corrupt. I got it turned off then had to do research to find out what the hell was going on. Seems like a good service but MS should ASK me first!!
I am 86 years, I only have computer for sending odd letters, reading news, sending e-mails to family, playing games. I don’t need a big file or a “cloud”.
I want my files, photos kept on my computer as it has enough room for it. The cloud does nothing for me other than create an unnecessary inconvenience. Why do you want to force me into it. I want a simple application is all
What about security protocols? How secure is One Drive? Nothing was said about that.
Steve
I checked one drive for my files and found them corrupted with what looked like Chinese characters. That’s why I hate one drive.
You add more and more convolution and confusion time and time again. Why? To stay in business… hahahaha
I guess I did not have a lot of storage on my one drive when I first got my computer. I had a message in my email that I was about out of storage, so I deleted some files from it to make more storage, however, it now looks like the files I deleted from one drive are also gone on my PC. Does this happen? I thought I went ahead and bought more storage, but I am not sure. Any info would be helpful. Thanks!
The same happened to me, I am flipping furious that it was auto set to save everything to onedrive and not a copy to my computer. I get the notice about storage and so I got to manage storage and bang I realize in the middle it is deleting it from my pc. Took hours to figure out how to move stuff over to C: drive appropriately, but now I find I lost files, my complete last month of work. What the hell were these people thinking???? What right did they have to auto – set something like that. They violated my private right to my own computer and saving information. They robbed me of my work. Astounded.!!!! While it would be nice to have a place to back up, I would like to choose what and when goes out there, it should never be automatic, and It should not be removed from your computer by a cloud application. So Pissed!
I agree. All clouds make it incredibly difficult to retrieve your data and in effect trap you. In home storage should be safe, in spite of the scare tactics. At least you can get at it for use with other apps.
Cloud sucks
onedrive is confusing, remove it and my files no longer load, had to reinstall it.
ONEDRIVE is terrible – does not approach the speed and functionality of DropBox. No matter what I do it will not unistall. VERY SLOW – support told me the reason it is so slow is it is designed to go FASTER than 125 Kpps.
No NOT a fan – I’m a retired teacher on fixed income – why do I have to use something I don’t want or need and then pay MORE to get more of I don’t want/need. Microsoft already has enough of my money!
I don’t want to use OneDrive. I don’t want it taking my emails etc. How do I stop it?
It doesn’t take your e-mails. Why do you say that?
Doesn’t interest me at all. I don’t need to be on the cloud.
Never wanted it, Never used it, Never needed it, just one more redundant waste of time
Different tact. What if I do not create and share documents or serve up files or photos to share, and I am not interested in accessing my files from a myriad of hardware platforms? Do I need Onedrive to be active if I ONLY want to add photos from a device (ex: phone or camera) or to move music or photos from an old computer to a new one?
Ron, thanks for sharing this complete perspective. I’m sure people reading your comment are going to find it useful.
Can I save all my videos and pictures in addition to my documents on OneDrive?
Yes, you can. 😉
One drive was added to my computer as an upgrade without notice and now I am out of memory and cannot access my files or look at the “G” drive they added to my computer. This truly sucks
This explanatory note is helpful for users of Microsoft applications.
Thanks for the useful guidelines to OneDrive.
If I edit a naked picture of Shirl on this laptop, does that mean it shows up on the desktop my grandson is using for games?
Only if he is using your Microsoft account, and you use OneDrive to sync files between computers, and you save the picture in a folder that is synchronized by OneDrive.
If i delete file from one drive…will d same file delete also from my sd card
How long can I store my files in onebox?
what if I dont want to store my privacy on one drive
what if I dont want one drive
What if I dont have confidence in the security of one drive
Why did onedrive require storage space on my pc when I tried to sign in?
To sync your files from OneDrive to your computer. It needs to download them. However, if there are no files on OneDrive, don’t worry. OneDrive won’t need any storage space.
Do I lose my stored data in onedrive if i reset my laptop to factory setting?
Can we backup the files on daily basis on one drive?
After you install and configure the OneDrive app, it can backup your files automatically, as they change.
I was on the phone, for almost two hours, having a Microsoft person help me with a non-responding Word. It seems all of my documents were erased from OneDrive… Can I recover them???
Read this guide.
I send files from onedrive to recipients and they cannot open them. I want to uninstall it and can’t find how to do that.
It is on my hard drive also. So if I delete some of the storage on the one drive will I lose what I have on my hard drive? Are they connected?
Yes, they are connected and synced.
I’m a very casual user of Microsoft. I no longer work, I do not collaborate with anyone, I do not share my files, I do not need off site storage of my files.
So…I don’t think I need it and it’s driving me crazy that the “Software download complete…Install Now” message keeps popping up. I did not ask for it to download. I resent that that message pops up without saying what it is for.
So why don’t I get a choice as to whether or not I want it?
Thank you.
Can my data in the cloud be used like it was on my computer. Meaning while software is running and the need to get to my data is needed that it will work?
You data from the cloud can be accessed at any time and downloaded on any device that you are using, so that you can work with it.
I guess I’m really old school. I don’t like someone else holding my files. I especially don’t want MicroSoft to save my files to OneCloud. Can’t seem to get around this invasion of privacy. I don’t want to access my files from just any place. Looks like I’m hostage to a GIANT that is not flexible.
Just don’t store any files in the OneDrive folder and you are good to go. Microsoft will not store your files.
My one drive is full. Can I delete the files from One Drive without deleting everything on MY PC.
I don’t want one drive . Can I avoid using it on Windows10? I have a new computer and do not understand any of it . I want to retain my files on my own external hard drive. I do not wish to share with Microsoft or anyone.
You can avoid using it if you want so. For instance, you can create a local user account and simply don't use the OneDrive folder.
what happens if several people are making changes to the same document at the same time. when they save will others work be lost?
If i put my files in onedrive and then wipe my laptop will the files still be there when i fully reboot ?
Yes. Your files will still be in your OneDrive. After you reinstall your device, you'll just have to let OneDrive sync and you'll get everything back.
Why are the comments on this topic dated from earliest (2011) to most recent (September 2015). Should have newest posted first!!!!
Can I remove a file from one drive but not my hard drive. Is it delete or unsung or what
I have one drive on my tablet and microsoft office. Once I sign up do I always have to have the internet to access office?
No. It works also when you are offline.
I used to be able to attach Excel files to e-mails with no problem. now when I try to do this, I find the file, click on it, and the Onecloud screen pops up asking if I want to open or save–I don’t get it–how do I attach Excel files from Windows 7 to Outlook e-mails?
What is the purpose of OneDrive? Is it necessary for a practicing Computer user? I do not understand the reason it is presently uploading 2,926 files.
Just got OneDrive and it’s full of my daughters iPhone pics. How did they get in my drive? This is fracking creepy. Who else has her pics? So very not acceptable.
Difference between Onedrive and Dropbox ?
Hi,
I have downloaded OneDrive on my laptop and it has created a directory with 3 folders – Documents, Music & Pictures.
I have copied into these folders files that I want to access via other devices.
My question is that does the fact that I have copied files into the folders mean that I am using storage on my laptop for storing those files ?…
To me it seems that I am using storage on my laptop rather than the free storage that I have been given by OneDrive !!
Appreciate any clarifications, hints, tips etc etc…..thanks
Hi!
I want to re-install Windows 7 and I have OneDrive software on my laptop which will delete everything on it. So, I was wondering will the installation also delete my OneDrive file from the online account as well?
No… any file you saved in the cloud (on OneDrive) remains there. It’s not stored on your computer, it’s stored on Microsoft’s servers. However, if you think that there are files that didn’t yet sync with your OneDrive, you can check if you have them online from any browser, here: https://onedrive.com
Thank you so much! You were really helpful.
Your reassurances about ‘OneDrive’ security do not meet my requirements. Further the OneDrive software is contaminating my computer in that it interferes with the saving of email attachments (it blocks the saving to local drives) This blocking is a severe disadvantage to me please stop it or explain how I can circumvent it
I am trying to synchronize my Onenote folders between two computers. One uses Onedrive and one uses Live. Can I get the computer that uses Live to convert to Onedrive, so that I don’t have to go thru an elaborate signon procedure?
All of our devices have OneDrive installed: Windows 7 on the PC’s, Android on the TAB’s, we also have MS365 so I’m assuming 1TB storage. Right now we use it strictly to keep active documents handy wherever we are. I’m considering OneDrive to be our Cloud Backup for 2 Android TAB’s, 2 PC’s, 2 Android Phones, and one MS Surface TAB. Is this the right Cloud for us? How do we set it up so that if Malware contaminates our computers, it can’t affect our OneDrive files?
Hello, I was using my this account since 2011. When it changed to Microsoft Outlook I lost all my emails & skydrive data. Anyone can help me to recover it 🙁
Hello again. I wanted to share a video to facebook. When I share the link, everyone had access to my whom OneDrive account. Why does that happen? Thanks
If your video file is shared by link… That file is only visible to everyone. If your folder directory, includes your shared file is public. It might be able for everyone to see your files inside the folder. It depends if your folder is public or not as private.
Hello. Does OneDrive take up phone space on my Windows Phone? My phone tells me me memory full or almost full. I’ve deleted many photos and videos and apps. And still stay full. I’m thinking OneDrive is included in using up phone memory. Is that true?? Thanks
Honestly, give me a 64G tiny USB memory stick. Cheap, take anywhere.
When it does fill up, buy a new one. More secure, more private.
Just sayin’.
With you on that one Jay, why take a risk where none needed!
good try mr.
On my RT device I can see a Sky Drive and a One Drive folder with the same documents. If I delete the SkyDrive documents will it effect the OneDrive documents already saved in it?
Hi
I have a thinking out of the box question. If I am running Office 365 Home on my desktop pc and another laptop pc. Is it possible to sync the Outlook 2013 desktop of both pc’s using Onedrive?
My thought is that if the PST file is synced from my desktop to Onedrive and the same with the laptop, as long as both pc’s are not on at the same time. When each device is turned on would it not sync with Onedrive and therefore update and therefore be kept in sync?
SkyDrive suddenly disappeared from the list of places on the left margin of my “This PC” dialog box. I can get to my saved SkyDrive documents, but how do I get SkyDrive back on that list so it is easily clickable?
what happens if I delete a file that is in the sky drive folder? Will the server have it?
It will be deleted from the server too. However, on the SkyDrive website, you may find it in the Recycle bin, for a couple of days more, until it is completely deleted.
I was wanting to edit a document on my work computer through my private hotmail account & it went to Sky Drive to edit the document. Then I saved the document. Does everyone at my work see this? or is it only accessed through my private email account?
What is stored on the SkyDrive is accessible to others only if you shared it with them or they hacked your account.
I have tried to send photos to other via skydrive and no-one can open them, they are as small as postage stamps. What am I, they, doing wrong
I want to send a family document to a relative but it is 48 MB. Is it simple and safe to send this by skydrive? My relative has no means of reading it on a CD.
I need something that I can put my files in , then delete them from my computor, so i can save space … will skydrive work? yes or no please.
It is a solution that can be used to synchronize and back up your files. Here’s how it works: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-use-skydrive-application-windows-7-windows-8/
How do I send a SkyDrive file of photos to Walgreens for printing?
Is there any great advantages of using Skydrive over dropbox?
In terms of speed Dropbox Rocks….
Uploading and downloading files in SkyDrive is just as fast. At least in Romania, I find it faster than Dropbox.
If I upload pix and vids to skydrive can I delete them off my phone (to save phone memory space) but still have access to them on file with skydrive? Does the same go with dropbox?
With the SkyDrive phone app you can access and download on request any files you wish. Your SkyDrive is not automatically downloaded to your phone due to space & bandwidth constraints.
You can browse your files and pick and choose you want to download.
I use syncDriver for SkyDrive because I have an old computer with the Windows XP installed. https://syncdriver.com
What is syncDriver? I have XP too. Must I get this in order to use SkyDrive?
syncDriver is a desktop application that serves as client software for the Microsoft SkyDrive cloud file storage solution. It is an unnoficial SkyDrive client.
The official SkyDrive application currently isn’t supported on Windows XP. If you try to install it on a computer running Windows XP, you’ll get the message “SkyDriveSetup.exe is not a valid Win32 application.”
syncDriver on the other hand, promises Windows XP compatibility.
So, what is different with skydrive and dropbox, are there any advantage of skydrive over dropbox. I use both services though.
Two main advantages: Pricing (SkyDrive is cheaper) and the free space provided by SkyDrive is higher.
Dropbox has the advantage of being available for more platforms than SkyDrive.
Thanks for this question. I think we will publish a more detailed comparison in the next few days.
I wish that what you say, Ciprian, were true, but I’m just not getting the two-way syncing some people talk about with SkyDrive. 🙁
S/Drv will certainly download files from the sky if it finds them missing on my linked PC, but changes to files here going up to the sky? Nope. 🙁
If I have a shy Drive folder on my computer and what if I accidentally delete those files from my PC. the next time it is synchronized will my data on the sky drive also will be deleted or not???
If you delete a file from a folder that is synchronized by SkyDrive, the deletion is replicated on the SkyDrive servers as well. If you deleted something accidentally – use the recycle bin to recover it.
If that is not possible, turn off the SkyDrive client on your computer, access SkyDrive from a browser and download the file from there, prior to the deletion being synchronized.
What are the security implications of using SkyDrive? Am I being paranoid, or does it give easy access to my data to anyone who can hack my password?
That's a security issue with all cloud storage solutions. If someone steals your password, it has access to the data you stored on the SkyDrive. That's why we recommend our readers to be mindful when creating and managing their passwords: Password Security – Turn Your Dumb Habits Into Geek Habits.
Another option to access Windows Live SkyDrive is through SDExplorer. This app allows you to access your SkyDrive files directly from Windows Explorer.
See article: https://whatsonmypc.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/live-skydrive/
Yes, Skydrive provides users many more benefits than any other type of folder save/share/collaboration tool in existence. Why I only hear about one everyday–Dropbox–puzzles me.
If i upload my picture on onedrive,will it
Be safe ? Would anyone else be able to see them if i dont share ? Will the creators of one drive be able to see those pictures ?
It should be safe try printing photos from it
I wish people would stop calling cloud services cloud services as I think it creates a wrong impression. If i went up to a stranger on the street and asked him to upload all his pictures to my phone from his phone and I can send some back when he phones me. I just became a cloud service. Nothing stopping me from looking at photos of his wife.