What is OneDrive? How to get started with Microsoft's cloud storage service and backup, sync, share, or delete files

• Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage service that lets you backup, sync, or share your files.
• Microsoft OneDrive comes with a Microsoft 365 subscription, but there is also a free version.
• You can use OneDrive on devices like computers, laptops, tablets, phones, and even Xboxes.

OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud-based online storage solution.

Most OneDrive users get access as a part of a Microsoft 365 subscription, which includes Microsoft Office and 1TB of OneDrive storage space. But you can also get a free OneDrive account with 5GB of space.

OneDrive lets you keep files that you create and store on your computer in sync with the cloud. You can connect any number of other devices, such as laptops, phones, tablets, and even your Xbox with OneDrive, letting you keep those files in sync and making them available from anywhere.

In addition, OneDrive lets you back up specific locations from your computer to the cloud. If you turn this feature on, you can automatically keep files stored on your Desktop, in the Documents folder, and photos in your Pictures folder on your OneDrive, effectively giving you a reliable automatic backup of your most critical files.

In 2024, Microsoft also incorporated its Copilot AI tool into OneDrive, enabling features like a chat mode, where you can ask Copilot questions, and AI-curated summaries and comparisons of your files.

How to get started with OneDrive

In Windows 11, OneDrive has been deeply integrated into the operating system, making it easy to configure and use. Even if you are using a different operating system, though — such as a Mac or Windows 8 — using OneDrive is still quite similar.

Here are the main things you need to know.

Sign in and start using OneDrive

If you are using OneDrive for the first time, you'll first need to download it — if it isn't already installed — and sign in. After you sign in to your OneDrive account, you'll be prompted to configure the service based on your needs.

Use OneDrive to back up files on your computer

By default, OneDrive can keep the files on your computer's OneDrive folder in sync with the cloud. But you can also enable a continuously synced OneDrive backup of the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders.

To do this on a PC, open Settings, navigate to the Sync and backup tab, hit Manage backup, and toggle whichever folders are labeled Not backed up.

For a Mac, select the OneDrive icon in your Menu bar, then open Preferences, navigate to the Backup tab, hit Manage backup, and click Start backup for any folders that aren't already backed up.

Share OneDrive files with other people

OneDrive makes it easy to share individual files or even entire folders with other people. You can invite people to share your files or share a link to those shared files.

There are several different ways to share files and folders on OneDrive, including passing along a "Share" link and using the OneDrive "Share" button.

Delete files from OneDrive

Need to remove a file, document, or photo? There are a couple of ways to delete files from OneDrive, but you should know it will remove the file across your OneDrive enabled devices.

For Windows users, click File Explorer on your task bar, then select your OneDrive folder. Select all of the items within that folder that you want to delete, and press Delete.

For Mac users, open Finder, find the OneDrive folder, select the items you want to delete, and drag and drop them into Trash.

Stop OneDrive from syncing

You might need to pause syncing temporarily or permanently stop OneDrive from syncing a particular folder on your computer.

To do this on Windows or Mac devices, right-click the OneDrive icon on your taskbar. To pause syncing, choose whichever length of time you'd like to temporarily stop syncing for. To permanently stop syncing, click Quit OneDrive.