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Install the OneDrive App on macOS and Back up Files

Install the OneDrive App on macOS and Back up Files

Students, faculty, and staff can connect their computer to OneDrive using the OneDrive app. This app automatically synchronizes (backs up) your files and protects them if your device becomes unusable (e.g., physical damage, equipment failure.)

Part 1: Install the OneDrive app

Mac users need to download the OneDrive app from the Microsoft website instead of the App Store. The version of OneDrive present in the App Store does not have as many features as the version available direct from Microsoft.

  1. Visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/download and click on the download button.

  2. Open the installation package and follow the on-screen instructions. The default options, such as the default choice for “Destination Select” and “Installation Type”, are appropriate; you do not need to change them.

  3. If you are prompted to enter a password in order to install the app, enter the password you use to sign into the Mac.
    If you are prompted with “'Installer.app' would like to access data from other apps.” click on Allow. Close the installer when it has finished.

  4. Open your Apps to view your installed apps. On older Macs, this is called Launchpad. Open OneDrive in the list that appears.

    apps icon on mac dock

  5. Sign into the app with your UConn email and password.

  6. Continue with the setup process. You can use the default options provided. Click Next when prompted.

    1. When prompted, allow “OneDrive.app” to start syncing. Click OK.

    2. You do not need to install OneDrive on your mobile phone when asked. If you want to see your files on the go, you may install the iOS app at any time from the App Store.

  7. To view the sync progress, click on the cloud icon in the top menu bar to view the drop-down interface. Note that this initial sync will take a few minutes.

    image-20251010-180900.png

Part 2: Back up Documents and Desktop folders

While your computer is performing the initial synchronization initiated in the previous steps, complete the important step of backing up your computer’s existing files into OneDrive. This will keep everything in your Desktop and Documents folders synced automatically to OneDrive.

If you do not have the option to “Manage Backup”, you are using the incorrect OneDrive app, as mentioned at the top of this guide. Remove the OneDrive app and then use the OneDrive app download link at the top of this guide.

  1. Click on the OneDrive cloud icon in the top menu bar, then the settings wheel.

    onedrive icon on top bar and settings icon

  2. Click on the Backup tab and then click on Manage Backup.

    1. If you are prompted to allow OneDrive disk access, do so now.

    2. In the System Settings window that appears, toggle OneDrive on. Then quit and reopen OneDrive.

      Onedrive option checked ON

    3. Like before, click on the OneDrive icon to access the drop-down interface and click on the settings wheel. Visit the Backup tab and then click on Manage Backup.

  3. Click on the folders that appear to back them up. When a folder is selected for backup, a check mark appears.

  4. Click on Start Backup.

  5. You are now all set to use OneDrive.

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