How to Set Up OneDrive Sync

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Click the OneDrive icon in your taskbar

    Open the hidden icons list (^) and click the cloud-shaped OneDrive icon.

  2. Sign in with your Microsoft account

    If this is your first time using it, sign in with your Microsoft account email and password.

  3. Choose which folders to sync

    Under the Account tab in settings, use "Choose folders" to sync only what you need and save storage space.

  4. Check the sync status icons in File Explorer

    A green checkmark means syncing is complete, and a spinning arrow means it is still in progress.

Never worry about which computer has the latest file

A file saved on your computer is automatically backed up to the cloud too, so you can open the exact same file right away from another computer or your phone.

Free up local disk space without losing access

A "Files On-Demand" style setting keeps a placeholder for every cloud file visible locally without actually downloading it, so your drive shows your full library while only using disk space for the files you actually open.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if two people edit the same file at the same time?

OneDrive typically saves both versions separately as a conflict copy so nothing is lost, and you can then decide which version to keep.

Does OneDrive sync work the same way on a Mac?

Yes -- the OneDrive desktop app is available for Mac too and works the same way, syncing chosen folders between your computer and the cloud.