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 ?
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.
Rick Robinette
12 years ago
Another option to access Windows Live SkyDrive is through SDExplorer. This app allows you to access your SkyDrive files directly from Windows Explorer.
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.
Sunil Sharma
11 years ago
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.
DullGlow@
11 years ago
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. 🙁
Luzan Baral
11 years ago
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.
Anders
11 years ago
I use syncDriver for SkyDrive because I have an old computer with the Windows XP installed. http://syncdriver.com
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.
rosie
11 years ago
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.
Sudeep Acharya
11 years ago
Is there any great advantages of using Skydrive over dropbox?
In terms of speed Dropbox Rocks….
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.
Pixyjane
10 years ago
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
Lee
10 years ago
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?
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.
Ellis Hankins
10 years ago
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?
Terry Ward
9 years ago
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?
Virgile
9 years ago
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?
dj rox
9 years ago
good try mr.
Jay Parker
9 years ago
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!
kenny
8 years ago
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
kenny
8 years ago
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.
Haadi
8 years ago
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 🙁
Jeff Hohlstein
8 years ago
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?
Ray Goulstone
8 years ago
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?
Brian Primer
8 years ago
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
Taslim
8 years ago
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
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
Reddy
8 years ago
Difference between Onedrive and Dropbox ?
Tammy
8 years ago
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.
Carolyn Hare
8 years ago
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.
Caroline
8 years ago
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?
Tania Franklin
8 years ago
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?
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.
pam
8 years ago
what happens if several people are making changes to the same document at the same time. when they save will others work be lost?
Vic Stein
7 years ago
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.
Judith Kirkham
7 years ago
My one drive is full. Can I delete the files from One Drive without deleting everything on MY PC.
Janice Nusbaum
7 years ago
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.
Carl
7 years ago
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.
Barb Flavin
7 years ago
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.
Judy
7 years ago
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?
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.
Sandra Simpson
6 years ago
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???
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.
wayne avion
6 years ago
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
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.
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: http://whatsonmypc.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/live-skydrive/
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.
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.
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. 🙁
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 use syncDriver for SkyDrive because I have an old computer with the Windows XP installed. http://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.
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.
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.
How do I send a SkyDrive file of photos to Walgreens for printing?
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/
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 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 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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
good try mr.
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!
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
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, 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 🙁
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?
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?
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
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.
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
Difference between Onedrive and Dropbox ?
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.
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.
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?
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.
Can I remove a file from one drive but not my hard drive. Is it delete or unsung or what
Why are the comments on this topic dated from earliest (2011) to most recent (September 2015). Should have newest posted first!!!!
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.
what happens if several people are making changes to the same document at the same time. when they save will others work be lost?
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.
My one drive is full. Can I delete the files from One Drive without deleting everything on MY PC.
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.
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’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.
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 send files from onedrive to recipients and they cannot open them. I want to uninstall it and can’t find how to do that.
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.
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.
Do I lose my stored data in onedrive if i reset my laptop to factory setting?
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.
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
How long can I store my files in onebox?