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OneDrive

Store files online, to be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Cloud storage on Windows

Since the release of Windows 10, the role and presence of Microsoft's OneDrive cloud service has changed considerably. It is no longer an app, as such, and it is more intricately woven into the very fabric of the operating system, working behind the scenes to keep your files in sync. Basically, once you log into your Windows account, OneDrive will be activated.

Accessing your OneDrive

Perhaps the most apparent change to OneDrive is that it no longer has it's own dedicated app - now it just exists within the File Manager. That said though, you can still access it quickly by clicking on the Start menu, choosing the 'All Apps' option and then scrolling down to 'OneDrive. You can also right-click on the icon to pin it to your Start screen for easy access. Once open, you can view all of the files within your OneDrive, create new folders and copy stuff across by dragging it into the window. The green ticks next to each folder signify that the contents have been synced and everything is up to date. You will also notice that the Quick Access options in the top-left corner of the window can be tailored to place key tasks within easy reach. One of which is the option to create a new folder for your OneDrive. When you click on this option a new folder will appear within your OneDrive window that you can re-name and then add files to. It's all relatively straightforward.

Selecting what to sync

In Windows 10, OneDrive utilizes a selective sync system, and you can change what gets synced by going to the settings. To do this, right-click on the OneDrive icon in the notification area and then choose the Settings option from the menu. Now click on the 'Choose Folders' tab at the top of the settings window and then click on the option. You can now tick and un-tick the boxes to decide exactly what gets synced and what does not.

Web access

All content that is synced to your OneDrive account can be accessed anywhere either by installing the free OneDrive app on your Smart Phone or tablet device or by using any web browser to log on to www.onedrive.live.com. This means that OneDrive provides an effective means of working remotely from the office because all of your synced files are made accessible to you anywhere. And if you make changes to these files and update them, these changes are instantly synced so everything on your OneDrive is as up-to-date as it can be. You'll never be caught short working from old, out of date versions of your files.

OneDrive online apps

  1. Log on: Go to onedrive.live.com to access the web interface of the OneDrive service.
  2. Click the icon: Now click on the blue grid icon in the top-left corner of the interface.
  3. Pick a service: You can now choose an app from the selection available.
  4. Get creating: Now can create new documents or access services like your Calendar.

OneDrive Website

When you log onto the OneDrive Website to access your files online you will notice that it resembles more of an app-like format with a range of options and information within easy reach. For example, you and view the contents by type in the menu to the left and see exactly how much storage space you have remaining thanks to a heads-up in the lower-left corner.

Across the top of the window you will see an option to 'Upload' new files and a 'New' menu. Click on this and you will be able to create a new folder to sit within your OneDrive window and even create new Word documents, Excel workbooks, PowerPoint presentations and more office-based options. It goes without saying that any new files that you create will be stored within your OneDrive and synced whenever changes are made so that the files are kept up-to-date whenever you need to access them.

Click to select a file in the web interface to bring up options to download, share, move and more.

Remote Access

As if OneDrive was not a cracking enough service already, it also supports remote access - meaning that you can access any files on your PC from anywhere. To utilize this feature, go to your OneDrive settings screen and then under the main 'Settings' tab, tick the 'Let me use OneDrive to fetch any of my files on this PC' option. Once this option has been ticked you can access any of your files remotely from another computer via the OneDrive Website, which can prove a life-saver if you need to access a particular file urgently.

When this option has been enabled your connected PC will show up on the OneDrive Website and you can access it by logging on to onedrive.live.com. If the receptive computer is turned on and connected to the Internet then you will be able to access any of its folders and files. You can also share files and folders on your OneDrive with other people. To discover how to do this, check out the tutorial to the right.

Access your OneDrive settings

  1. Right-click icon: Locate the OneDrive icon within your notification area and right-click on it.
  2. Choose Settings: Click on the Settings option and then use the tabs to navigate the various options.

Share OneDrive files

  1. Log on: You can only share files from the OneDrive web interface, so log in online.
  2. Find file: Now locate the folder or file that you want to share and then right-click on it.
  3. Share file: Select the 'Share' option from the menu and then enter the recipients.
  4. Enter details: Type in email addresses and notes and then click on the 'Share' button.