Install the OneDrive App on MacOS and Backup Files

Owned by Dan Jakubiak
Last updated: Nov 19, 2024
3 min read

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).

Adding OneDrive to your Mac

MacOS users need to download the OneDrive App from the Microsoft website instead of using 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 Launchpad to view your installed apps. Find OneDrive and click on it to open the OneDrive app.

    image-20240229-152807.png

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

  6. Like before, the default options are appropriate. Click Next when prompted.
    When prompted, allow “OneDrive.app” to start syncing. Click OK.
    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. Optional: 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.

    The files are syncing

Back up existing files

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.

  1. Click on the OneDrive cloud icon in the top menu bar.

  2. Click on the settings wheel.

  3. Click on the Backup tab and then click on Manage Backup.
    If you are prompted to allow OneDrive disk access, do so now.
    In the System Preferences window that appears, toggle OneDrive on. Then quit and reopen OneDrive.

  4. 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.

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

  6. Click on Start Backup.

  7. You are now all set to use OneDrive!

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