Step-by-Step Guide to Enable and Set Up OneDrive

Step 1: Check if OneDrive is Installed

OneDrive comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and 11.

1. Press Windows + S and type OneDrive.

2. If it appears in the results, it’s installed. If not:

   • Download it from: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/download

Step 2: Launch OneDrive

1. Click Start, type OneDrive, and press Enter.

2. If it's your first time opening it, the sign-in wizard will launch automatically.

Step 3: Sign in to OneDrive

1. When prompted, enter your Microsoft 365 work or personal email.

2. Click Sign In.

3. Enter your password and complete MFA if prompted.

Step 4: Choose OneDrive Folder Location

1. By default, OneDrive creates a folder at:

   makefile
   CopyEdit
   C:\Users\<YourUsername>\OneDrive
   

2. If you want to change the location, click Change location and select a different folder.

Step 5: Configure Folder Sync

1. Select which folders to sync to the device:

   • Click "Choose folders" when prompted.

   • Deselect anything you don’t want to take up local storage.

Step 6: Complete Setup

1. Continue through the setup screens (you can skip tutorial tips).

2. Once done, a cloud icon appears in the system tray:

   • ? Blue icon: Signed in and syncing

   • ⏳ or ❌ icons: Check for errors or issues

Step 7: Verify Sync & Test

1. Open File Explorer and go to OneDrive – YourOrgName or OneDrive – Personal.

2. Drag a test file into the folder and check:

   • It gets a blue cloud or green checkmark icon.

   • Right-click and ensure “Always keep on this device” or “Free up space” works.

Optional: Enable Backup of Desktop/Documents/Pictures

1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.

2. Select Settings > Sync and Backup > Manage Backup.

3. Enable backup for:

   • Desktop

   • Documents

   • Pictures

Troubleshooting Tips

• No icon in system tray? Relaunch OneDrive via Start menu.

• Stuck at sign-in? Clear credentials in Credential Manager and try again.

• Need logs? Logs are located at %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\logs.