Select what to do with a file

  1. In OneDrive, right-click the file.

  2. Select a command.

Screenshot showing the shortcut menu for a selected file

Create a folder

  1. Select + Add New > Folder.

  2. Type a name for the folder and select a folder color.

  3. Select Create.

OneDrive Create Folder

Search for files

Looking for an older doc? Search is a powerful tool to find all your online docs.

  1. Type a word or phrase in the Search box.

  2. Select a file, or press Enter.

screenshot of onedrive web search results

Important PC Folders (auto backup)

You can backup important computer files on OneDrive like your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures files.

  1. Select the OneDrive cloud in your notification area to show the OneDrive pop-up.Blue and white OneDrive icons

  2. Select the OneDrive Help and Settings icon  then select Settings.

  3. Go to the Account tab.A screenshot showing the Account tab in OneDrive settings.

  4. Select Unlink this PC, and then select Unlink account​​​​​​​.

On the Sync and backup tab, select Manage backup and follow the instructions.

Screenshot of the Set up protection of important folders dialog box in OneDrive

Set up the OneDrive sync app in Windows

  1. If you don't have Windows 10 or 11, Microsoft 365, or Office 2016, install the new OneDrive sync app for Windows. If you use the latest software, you already have the OneDrive sync app and you can skip to step 2.

  2. Select the Start button, search for OneDrive, and then open it.

  3. When OneDrive Setup starts, enter your work or school account, and then select Sign in.

Screenshot of the first screen of OneDrive Setup

Note: If you already had an account signed in to OneDrive and you want to add another account, select the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar notification area, select More > Settings. In Settings, select Account, select Add an account, and then sign in.

For more info, see Sync files with OneDrive in Windows.

Set up the OneDrive sync app on Mac

  1. Install OneDrive for Mac.

    Important: If you're using the OneDrive Mac Store app, uninstall it before installing the latest build of the sync app.

  2. Start OneDrive by pressing cmd + Space to launch a Spotlight query and type OneDrive. This starts OneDrive Setup.

  3. Enter your work or school account and then select Sign in.

Screenshot of the first page of OneDrive Setup

Note: If you already had an account signed in to OneDrive and you want to add another account, click the OneDrive cloud icon up in the Menu bar, click the three dots to open the menu, and select Preferences. Click the Account tab, select Add an Account to start OneDrive Setup, and then sign in.

For more info, see Sync files with OneDrive on Mac OS X.

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