OneDrive: First Time Use (Windows)

Summary

This article demonstrates how to set up OneDrive on your Windows computer for the first time.

Body

OneDrive Desktop app - Getting Started

OneDrive is available for: All faculty, staff, and registered students it is part of the Microsoft 365 suite.

Before you can use Microsoft OneDrive on your university computer, you need to sign into your account and link it to your Windows PC. There are a few steps to take when setting up OneDrive for the first time. This article will walk you through the steps.

Step 1: Open up OneDrive on your PC

In the system tray of your Windows computer (bottom right corner of your screen), click the OneDrive icon to open it. 

Note: If the cloud icon is missing, click the Windows start menu and search for OneDrive, when you see the app in the menu, click it to open it.

OneDrive PC - not signed in

 

Step 2: Connect your OneDrive

To connect OneDrive to your computer, click Sign in.

OneDrive PC - Connect your OneDrive

 

Step 3: Set up OneDrive

Click in the text box and type in your SVSU email address and click "Sign In."

OneDrive PC - Sign into with your SVSU email

 

Step 4: Your OneDrive folder location

In this window "Your OneDrive Folder" click "Next." 

OneDrive folder location on a PC

 

Step 5: Back up folders on this PC

You need to back up your main folders on your PC, toggle on each slider for Documents, Pictures, and Desktop (sample image below) so that your files are protected even if you lose your computer or an application crashes. You will not lose your files. Click "Save changes."

OneDrive PC - Back up folders on this PC

 

Step 6: You are finished setting up OneDrive

Close this window, your files are backing up to your PC.

OneDrive PC - backing up


Turn on Files On-Demand

Work Offline: Free Up Space on your Device

With the OneDrive desktop app installed on your computer, you have shortcuts to the online files. You can mark a file or folder for offline access or online only by right clicking on it. Based on your selection, you will see a visual indicator of a blue outlined cloud for your file or folder once Files on Demand is turned on.

​​​OneDrive Files on Demand

Enable Files On-Demand

  1. Click the up arrow in your system tray. Click the OneDrive icon.
  2. Click the gear icon (upper-right). Click "Settings."
  3. Click the Sync and back up tab, expand the Advanced settings, and toggle on Files On-Demand.
  4. Click Free up disk space, then click Continue.
  5. File Explorer window opens automatically, all folders and files will show a blue outlined cloud indicating that they are online-only, freeing up space on your computer.
Always show OneDrive in the system tray.  Right click your Windows desktop, select Personalize > Taskbar > Other system tray icons. Toggle on OneDrive. Once enabled you will see the OneDrive icon in the bottom-right of your screen.

Files On-Demand - Microsoft Support Articles

Details

Details

Article ID: 162582
Created
Wed 11/6/24 2:51 PM
Modified
Wed 11/27/24 9:59 AM

Related Articles

Related Articles (1)

OneDrive for Business is Microsoft 365's cloud storage and file sharing application for organizations.  OneDrive allows you to easily store, manage, and share work files without having to contact IT.  OneDrive is accessible via the web or the OneDrive for Business sync client (desk top app).