With OneDrive, you can sync files between your computer and the cloud, so you can get to your files from anywhere. You can work with your synced files directly in File Explorer and access your files even when you’re offline. Whenever you’re online, any changes that you or others make will sync automatically.
This article describes how to download the new OneDrive sync client and sign in with your personal account, or work or school account, to get started syncing. If you use Office 365 Business, you can also sync files from your SharePoint sites. If you're not using Office 365 Business, see Sync SharePoint files with the OneDrive for Business sync client (Groove.exe).
Note: For more information about how to use OneDrive, see OneDrive video training.
Install and set up
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If you don't have Windows 10 or Office 2016, install the Windows version of the new OneDrive sync client.
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Start OneDrive Setup.
If you have no accounts signed in to OneDrive
If you don’t currently have an account signed in to OneDrive, use these instructions to start OneDrive.
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Select the Start button, search for “OneDrive”, and then open it:
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In Windows 10, select the OneDrive desktop app.
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In Windows 7, under Programs, select Microsoft OneDrive.
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In Windows 8.1, search for OneDrive for Business, and then select the OneDrive for Business app.
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When OneDrive Setup starts, enter your personal account, or your work or school account, and then select Sign in.
If you already have an account signed in to OneDrive
If you already have an account signed in to OneDrive and you want to add another account, you’ll do that in OneDrive Settings.
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Select the white or blue OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar notification area.
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In the activity center, select More > Settings.
(You might need to click the Show hidden icons arrow next to the notification area to see the OneDrive icon. If the icon doesn't appear in the notification area, OneDrive might not be running. Click Start, type OneDrive in the search box, and then click OneDrive in the search results.)
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In Settings, select Account, and then select Add an account.
When OneDrive Setup starts, enter your new account, and then select Sign in.
Key points in OneDrive Setup
There are two screens in OneDrive Setup that are helpful to watch for:
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On the This is your OneDrive folder screen, select Next to accept the default folder location for your OneDrive files. If you want to change the folder location, select Change location - this is the best time to make this change.
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On the Sync files from your OneDrive screen, choose the folders you want to sync, and select Next. This helps control the amount of space OneDrive files take on your computer and conserves bandwidth during sync processes. You can change this later in Settings, but this is a good opportunity as well.
Note: If you were already syncing OneDrive for Business to your computer (using the previous sync client) and you've just installed the OneDrive desktop app, you won't see the This is your OneDrive folder or the Sync files from your OneDrive screen during OneDrive Setup. The OneDrive desktop app automatically takes over syncing in the same folder location you were using before. To choose which folders you're syncing, right-click the blue cloud icon in the taskbar notification area, and select Settings > Account > Choose folders.
See and manage your OneDrive files
You're all set. Your OneDrive files will appear in File Explorer in the OneDrive folder. If you use more than one account, your personal files appear under OneDrive – Personal and your work or school files appear under OneDrive - CompanyName.
You now have a new white or blue cloud icon (or both) in your notification area and your files are synced to your computer. Your blue cloud icon will appear as OneDrive – [YourTenantName] when you hover over the icon.
Any time you want to change the folders you sync on your computer, right-click that cloud icon in the taskbar notification area, and select Settings > Account > Choose folders. Find other information about your account and change other OneDrive settings from here.
Need more help?
Learn about OneDrive Files On-Demand
Sync your Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders with OneDrive
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Get online help
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Email support
One Drive for Business Admins can also view the OneDrive for Business Tech Community, Help for OneDrive for Business Admins, or contact Office 365 for business support. |
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Got feedback?
Go to the OneDrive UserVoice. |
