OneDrive is cloud-based storage available through Microsoft365. Users can save every file type (.doc .jpeg .pdf etc.) and access them anywhere on any device connected to the internet. Word Documents, Excel Spreadsheets, and PowerPoints can be shared and edited simultaneously using Office Online.
| Note |
|---|
When students graduate or when faculty/staff separate from the organization, they will lose access to their OneDrive files. Students should be sure to download any data they wish to keep before leaving UConn. |
Syncing OneDrive to a Computer
| Tip |
|---|
The sync process will happen while you are installing the OneDrive application. Follow the guide below only if you need to sync your OneDrive account to a computer that already has OneDrive installed. This same process can be completed by simply signing into the OneDrive App on your computer. |
Think of “syncing” as linking your computer to your OneDrive account. This process can be repeated on multiple computers.
| Info |
|---|
When you first setup OneDrive on Windows, you will be asked if you would like to back up your existing Documents, Desktop, and Pictures folders. These folders were created by Windows when you first setup your computer; OneDrive can back them up without moving them into the OneDrive folder. MacOS will not ask you to back up any existing folders. You need to move files/folders into the OneDrive folder in order to back them up. |
Navigate to https://uconn-my.sharepoint.com/ and sign in with your UConn email address and NetID password.
You may also visit office365.com, sign in using the same credentials listed above, click on the app launcher icon in the top-left corner, and choose OneDrive.
After signing in, you will be brought to your OneDrive home page. In the top toolbar, select Sync.
The OneDrive website will check if you have the OneDrive application installed.
If you do have OneDrive installed, your browser may prompt you to allow it to open the OneDrive App. You files will now begin to sync.
If you do not have OneDrive installed, nothing will happen. Click on download latest version of OneDrive and follow a guide in the above section on this guide.
Your OneDrive folder will now begin syncing to your computer.
...
Installing OneDrive on your computer
| Child pages (Children Display) |
|---|
| Info |
|---|
There is no official OneDrive application for Linux computers. |
OneDrive is already installed on my computer
| Tip |
|---|
If you bought a new Windows computer, OneDrive may be pre-installed. |
If OneDrive is already installed on your computer, simply sign into the App to begin synchronizing your files.
Click the OneDrive icon (cloud) in the bottom right of the Windows taskbar.
Note the cloud icon may be gray or blue. If then icon is blue, you are likely already signed into OneDrive.
If you do not see the OneDrive icon, click on the Windows Search bar and search for “OneDrive”.
Follow the on-screen instructions and use your UConn email address and NetID password to log in.
| Info |
|---|
This initial sync may take some time, depending on the number of files in your OneDrive account. The sync happens in the background and you may shutdown your computer. |
...
What does it look like after I complete the “sync”
Below is an animated picture showing the sync experience. As you can see, once your computer is synchronized, OneDrive files are accessed like any other file on your computer.
| Child pages (Children Display) |
|---|
...
Having trouble viewing? Here is the video link.
Common Questions
How many computers can I have synchronized with my OneDrive? | OneDrive is a part of the Microsoft365 suite, and you can have the suite linked to 5 computers. |
How can I make my OneDrive as easy to use as my UConn P Drive was? | When you “sync” your computer with OneDrive following the above guides, browsing and opening files will be functionally equivalent to the now retired P Drive. |
How can I exclude a specific folder from syncing from OneDrive to my computer? | |
My desktop icons are showing on all of my computers. What’s going on? |
...