What Is OneDrive?
OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage service included with your Microsoft 365 account. Think of it as your personal network drive in the cloud. It allows you to store, access, and share your files securely from any device with an internet connection.
Why Use OneDrive?
Benefits of storing your files in OneDrive include:
- Access your files from anywhere.
- Automatic synchronization across devices.
- File version history and recovery options.
- Easier sharing and collaboration with colleagues.
- Protection against data loss if your computer is replaced or fails.
Do I Need to Create a OneDrive Account?
No. Your OneDrive is available automatically as part of your AU Microsoft 365 work account. (Your AU Microsoft 365 account is accessed via Okta.) The first time you access OneDrive, Microsoft may take a few moments to provision your storage space.
How Do I Access OneDrive?
From the Web
- Go to anderson.okta.com and sign in.
- Click on the Office 365 tile (Microsoft Office Portal).
- If prompted, sign in with your AU email address and select Work or school account.
- Click on the 9 dot menu icon (app launcher) and select OneDrive.
From File Explorer
Many users already have OneDrive available in File Explorer. Look for:
OneDrive - anderson.edu in the left navigation pane.
If you see this folder, your OneDrive is already available and ready to use.
If you do not see OneDrive - anderson.edu, you may need to run the setup for OneDrive File Sync.
Windows
- Click Start and type OneDrive.
- Open the OneDrive app.
- Sign in using your AU Microsoft 365 work/school account. (This is the same as your Okta account.
- Accept the default OneDrive folder location (recommended) or choose a different location.
- Complete the setup wizard.
- Your OneDrive files will appear in File Explorer > OneDrive – anderson.edu.
Note: We've had a report that this feature may not be working. We're currently investigating the issue.
How Do I Know OneDrive Is Working?
You can verify that OneDrive is configured by:
- Looking for OneDrive - anderson.edu in File Explorer.
- Creating a test file in your OneDrive folder and confirming it appears in OneDrive on the web.
- Looking for sync status icons beside files:
- ☁️ Cloud icon = Online only
- ✅ Green checkmark = Available on your device
- 🔄 Circular arrows = Currently syncing
Moving Files from Your Network Drive
To move files from your personal network drive:
- Open your network drive.
- Open OneDrive - anderson.
- Drag and drop or copy files into OneDrive folders.
- OneDrive will automatically upload and synchronize the files.
Helpful for OneDrive Migration
When moving files to OneDrive, it's often easiest to have two File Explorer windows side by side. You can open a second File Explorer window by pressing Ctrl + N when File Explorer is opened.
- Left window: Personal network drive (P:)
- Right window: OneDrive - anderson.edu
Then simply drag and drop files and folders from the network drive into OneDrive. Windows will copy the files, and OneDrive will automatically synchronize them to the cloud.
What Belongs in OneDrive?
Store in OneDrive
- Personal work files
- Draft documents
- Individual projects
- Files that primarily belong to you
Coming Later This Fall - Store in SharePoint or Teams
Later this fall, we will be introducing SharePoint and Teams as group file storage options.
- Department files
- Team documents
- Shared resources
- Files that multiple people maintain
A simple rule:
My files → OneDrive
Our files → SharePoint/Teams
Backing Up Desktop and Documents
OneDrive can automatically protect important folders such as:
- Desktop
- Documents
- Pictures
This feature ensures important files are backed up to the cloud while remaining accessible from your computer. Some devices may already have this protection enabled through organizational settings.
Questions? Need Help?
If you have questions or need some help, please let ITS know by submitting a Raven Solutions request.
This article was drafted using generative AI and reviewed by ITS staff for accuracy and clarity.