With OneDrive, you can sync files between your computer and the cloud, so you can get to your files from anywhere – your computer, your mobile device, and even through the OneDrive website at OneDrive.com. If you add, change, or delete a file or folder in your OneDrive folder, the file or folder is added, changed, or deleted on the OneDrive website and vice versa. You can work with your synced files directly in File Explorer and access your files even when you’re offline. Whenever you’re online, any changes that you or others make will sync automatically.
This article describes how to download the OneDrive sync app and sign in with your personal account, or work or school account, to get started syncing. If you use Office 365 Business, you can also sync files from your SharePoint sites. If you’re not using Office 365 Business, see Sync SharePoint files with the OneDrive for Business sync app (Groove.exe).
Note: For information about syncing files on macOS, see Sync files with OneDrive on Mac OS X.
Note: For more information about how to use OneDrive, see OneDrive video training.
If you don’t currently have an account signed in to OneDrive, use these instructions to start OneDrive.
If you already have an account signed in to OneDrive and you want to add another account, you’ll do that in OneDrive Settings.
There are two screens in OneDrive Setup that are helpful to watch for:
Note: If you were already syncing OneDrive for Business to your computer (using the previous sync app) and you’ve just installed the sync app, you won’t see the This is your OneDrive folder or the Sync files from your OneDrive screen during OneDrive Setup. The sync app automatically takes over syncing in the same folder location you were using before. To choose which folders you’re syncing, right-click the blue cloud icon in the taskbar notification area, and select Settings > Account > Choose folders.
You’re all set. Your OneDrive files will appear in File Explorer in the OneDrive folder. If you use more than one account, your personal files appear under OneDrive – Personal and your work or school files appear under OneDrive – CompanyName.
You now have a new white or blue cloud icon (or both) in your notification area and your files are synced to your computer. Your blue cloud icon will appear as OneDrive – [YourTenantName] when you hover over the icon.
Note: Contoso is an example name – yours will show the name of your organization.
Any time you want to change the folders you sync on your computer, right-click that cloud icon in the taskbar notification area, and select Settings > Account > Choose folders. Find other information about your account and change other OneDrive settings from here.