How to Set Up OneDrive Cloud Storage

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Microsoft OneDrive allows you to share your files easily between all your devices, as well as access them from anywhere in the world on any other computer you can access.

This guide will walk you through setting up the OneDrive client software on your devices, to make it easier to get to your files from everywhere.

2. Account Check

In order to use Microsoft OneDrive, you will need an account with Microsoft.

This is the same account you use with other Microsoft products, such as Xbox, Hotmail, Outlook, Skype or possibly when you sign-on to your computer.

Check your Microsoft Account

It's easy to check if you already have a Microsoft account.

Check if You are Using a Microsoft Account to Sign On to Windows

1. Select the Start menu.
   

1. Select Settings.
   

1. In settings, select Accounts.
   

1. Select Your info on the left.
   

1. Look on the right.
2. If you are using a Microsoft account, it will say "Manage my Microsoft account".
   

1. If you are not using a Microsoft account, it will say "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead".
   

Check if you Have a Microsoft Account using the Website

1. Open your preferred web browser.
   

1. In the address bar, type in account.microsoft.com, then push enter on your keyboard.
   

1. Select Sign In with Microsoft.
   

1. Try to sign in with the email address and password you use, or the username and password you use to sign into Windows.
   

1. If you are able to sign in, you have a Microsoft account.
   If you are unable to sign in, we will create an account in the next steps.

3. Type

For our next step, we need to determine what kind of device you are using.

4. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer is using.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.

Microsoft WindowsApple macOSMicrosoft Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

5. Setup Client

Windows 10 comes with Microsoft OneDrive pre-installed.

Configure Microsoft OneDrive

1. Select the Start menu.
   

1. Scroll down the programs list, and select OneDrive.
   

1. A short tour will be displayed, informing you can take your files with you. Select the arrow to continue.
   

1. The tour will continue, telling you about sharing your files. Select the arrow to continue.
   

1. The tour will complete. Select Start Using OneDrive.
   

1. Select Sign in.
   

1. Select Microsoft account, then select Continue.
   

1. Sign in with your Microsoft Account information.
   

1. 
   
2. Signing in with your Microsoft account will vary depending on exactly what type of account you have. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the sign-in process.
3. A reminder tell you that it will use the Microsoft account with other Windows apps, to make it easier to sign into them in the future. Select Next to complete setup.
   

Use Microsoft OneDrive

1. Select the Start menu.
   

1. Scroll down the programs list, and select OneDrive.
   

1. OneDrive will show you the files stored on your OneDrive account.
   

1. You can access further options from the menu in the top right.
   

1. 
   
2. All files - Will show you all your files, the default view
   

1. Photos - Shows only the photos and images on your OneDrive.
   

1. Recent documents - Shows the most recent files you've used.
   

1. Shared - Shows items shared with you, and allows you to share files with other OneDrive users.
   

1. Offline - Files you've copied to your computer so you can access them when you're not online. They will automatically synchronize when you are next online.
   

1. Recycle bin - Items you've deleted recently, giving you the option to retrieve them if they were deleted in error.
   

1. Account settings - Change settings related to your Microsoft account.
   

1. Progress - Shows the progress of files being synced to your computer.
   

1. Settings - Adjust settings for the OneDrive program.
   

6. WebAccess

Once you have the OneDrive client setup on your home computer, any files you place into the OneDrive folder will be accessible from any other computer, provided you have your username and password.

1. Open your preferred browser.
   

1. In the address bar at the top, type in onedrive.com and press enter or return.
   

1. Select Sign in in the top right corner.
   

1. Enter the email address you used to create your Microsoft account, then select Next.
   

1. Enter your Microsoft password, then select Sign in.
   

1. Here you'll see all your files stored on OneDrive, and you can view, edit, or delete them by clicking on them.
   

1. If this is a public computer that other people have access to, it's recommended to sign out, so no one else will have access to your files.
2. Click the avatar icon in the top right corner.
   

1. Select Sign out.
   

7. Setup Client

Install OneDrive

1. Open your preferred web browser.
   

1. In the address bar, type in onedrive.com/download, and press return.
   

1. Select Download on the webpage.
   

1. Once the download has completed, launch the OneDrive package.
   

1. The installer will launch with an introduction. Select Continue.
   

1. The installer will confirm your drive. Select Install.
   

1. OneDrive will request permission to install. Enter your Mac's username and password, then select Install Software.
   

1. Once the installer is complete, select Close.
   

1. With the install completed, the installer will offer to delete itself to save disk space. Select Move to Trash.
   

Configure OneDrive

1. Open OneDrive.
2. Select Finder.
   

1. Select Go > Applications.
   

1. Select OneDrive.
   

1. When you first launch OneDrive, you have to configure it. Enter the email address for your Microsoft account, and select Sign in.
   

1. Enter your password, then select Sign in.
   

1. A small introduction will be displayed. Select Next.
   

1. You will be asked what files you'd like to sync. Make sure Sync all files and folders in OneDrive is checked, then select Next.
   

1. Setup is now complete. Select Open my OneDrive folder.
   

Use OneDrive

1. You can access OneDrive from the small cloud icon on the toolbar toward the right, near your clock.
   

1. Here, you can see the most recent activity with your OneDrive account, and if it's synchronizing any files.
   

1. 
   
2. Select Open Folder at the bottom to instantly jump to your OneDrive folder.
   

1. Drag files into this folder to copy them to your OneDrive account.
   

8. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your smartphone or tablet has.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for smartphones currently available, Android and iOS.

Android SmartphoneiOS SmartphoneAndroid smartphones are produced by multiple companies, such as Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC, and OnePlus.Apple is the only company that makes iOS smartphones.

9. Setup Client

Install OneDrive

1. Open the App Store.
   

1. 
   
2. Select Search in the bottom right corner.
   

1. Type in OneDrive, and select OneDrive from the list.
   

1. Select Get for OneDrive.
   

1. Select Open.
   

Configure OneDrive

The first time you launch OneDrive, you will need to sign into your Microsoft account.

1. Launch OneDrive.
   

1. Type in your Microsoft Username and select the arrow to continue.
   

1. Type in your Microsoft Password then select Sign in.
   

1. You will be offered Premium services. For now, select the X in the top-right corner to continue.
   

1. You will be offered an option to be notified on your phone every time a file is modified. Select OK.
   

1. Your phone will confirm this choice, select Allow.
   

Use Google Drive

1. Launch OneDrive.
   

1. Here you will see the files you've saved on OneDrive.
   

1. 
   At the bottom are further options.
   
2. Search - Search for a file on OneDrive.
   

1. Recycle Bin - Shows files you've recently deleted.
   

1. Files - Access all the files on your OneDrive, the default view.
   

1. Recent - Show only the files you've added or changed recently.
   

1. Camera - Take photos directly to your OneDrive.
   

1. Shared - Files shared with you from other OneDrive users.
   

1. Photos - Show only the photographs from your OneDrive.
   

10. Setup Client

Install OneDrive

1. Launch the Play Store on your smartphone.
   

1. Select the search bar at the top.
   

1. Type in "OneDrive", then select Microsoft OneDrive from the list.
   

1. Select Install.
   

Configure OneDrive

1. Launch OneDrive.
   

1. A welcome screen will open. Select Sign in at the bottom.
   

1. Sign in with your Microsoft account. Type in your email address, then select the arrow to continue.
   

1. Enter your password, then select Sign in.
   

1. You will be offered an option to upgrade storage space on your OneDrive account. For now, select the arrow in the top-left corner to proceed.
   

1. A conformation that you wish to continue with OneDrive basic will open. Select Stay Basic.
   

1. OneDrive will offer to back up your photos automatically. If you wish to enable this, select Start Camera Upload.
   

1. OneDrive will ask permission to access your photos to back them up. Select Allow.
   

Use OneDrive

1. Launch OneDrive.
   

1. Your files will be displayed, select one to view or edit the file.
   

1. Other features are available at the bottom of the screen.
2. Camera - Take photos and store them directly on OneDrive.
   

1. Files - Show all your files, the first screen that comes up.
   

1. Recent - Show only the most recently modified or created documents.
   

1. Shared - Show files you have shared with others, or that others have shared with you on OneDrive.
   

1. Photos - Show only the photos you've stored on OneDrive.
   

1. Me - Access further options related to your OneDrive account.
   

11. Create Account

1. Open your preferred web browser.
   

1. In the address bar, type in account.microsoft.com, then push enter on your keyboard.
   

1. Select Sign In with Microsoft.
   

1. Select Create one! to create a new account with Microsoft.
   

1. Follow the prompts to enter your information and create a new Microsoft account.
   

1. The Microsoft Account creation process can change slightly, and has many different choices during it that will depend on you personally.