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OneDrive is included with Windows 11. To enable it, open Start, search for OneDrive, launch the app, and sign in with the Microsoft account you want to use. Complete the setup prompts, then choose which files to keep on this PC and whether to back up standard Windows folders.
Open OneDrive and sign in
- Select Start, type OneDrive, and open the app.
- Sign in with the Microsoft personal, work, or school account that should sync with this PC. For a work or school account, your organization may manage some settings.
- Follow the setup prompts. When asked where to place the OneDrive folder, select Next to use the suggested location or Change location to choose another. Microsoft identifies first-time setup as the best time to change this location. Microsoft’s OneDrive setup guide explains the setup flow.
- Finish the remaining prompts. Once syncing starts, OneDrive files appear in the OneDrive folder in File Explorer. The cloud icon in the taskbar notification area provides access to OneDrive status and settings. Microsoft’s guide to storing work files also describes the File Explorer view.
Choose how OneDrive files are stored on this PC
Files On-Demand lets you see OneDrive content in File Explorer without downloading every file. The availability state determines whether a file needs an internet connection and how much local storage it uses:
- Online-only: The file is listed but is not stored locally; an internet connection is needed to open it.
- Locally available: The file is downloaded and can be used offline. Windows may free up local space later.
- Always available: The file is kept on the device for offline access.
Choose local availability based on whether you need offline access and how much disk space you want OneDrive to use. This setting is about file availability, not whether your files are part of OneDrive: changes to synced files, including deletions, are reflected between the PC and OneDrive online. That sync behavior is not an independent backup. Microsoft explains Files On-Demand and syncing.
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Select which OneDrive folders sync to the PC
You can limit which OneDrive folders are kept or shown on this computer. Open OneDrive settings from the taskbar cloud icon and review the account’s folder or sync selection options. This controls content synced from OneDrive; it is separate from backing up Windows folders such as Desktop or Documents. Microsoft documents folder selection and OneDrive settings in its OneDrive settings guide.
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Optionally back up Windows folders
Folder backup is an optional setting for common Windows folders, including Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos. Do not assume they are backed up just because OneDrive is running; review the setting directly.
- Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar notification area.
- Select Help & Settings > Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup.
- For a folder marked Not backed up, turn on its toggle if you want it included, then save your changes.
The exact folder options shown can depend on the account and device. For Microsoft’s procedure and the choices involved when stopping backup, see Back up your folders with OneDrive.
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Before you stop folder backup
If you turn off backup for a folder, OneDrive asks where you want the files to remain: in OneDrive only or on the PC only. Review that choice before saving. If the folder has online-only files that you need on the computer, first download them: in File Explorer, right-click the files or folder and choose Always keep on this device. Wait for the download to finish before proceeding.
If OneDrive is missing or needs to reconnect
The cloud icon is not visible
OneDrive may not be running. Select Start, search for OneDrive, and open the app; then check the notification area again. See Microsoft’s OneDrive troubleshooting and relinking instructions.
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- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Unlink and sign in again
- Select the cloud icon, then Help & Settings > Settings.
- Open Account, select Unlink this PC, and confirm with Unlink account.
- Sign in again when prompted. If OneDrive offers the existing OneDrive folder, select Use this folder.
- Wait for syncing to finish. Changes made while the PC was unlinked sync when relinking completes.
Unlinking disconnects the local OneDrive setup temporarily; it is not the same as deleting the files in OneDrive online. Microsoft’s unlink and re-link guide provides the documented steps.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Account limits and turning OneDrive off
A Windows PC can use multiple work or school OneDrive accounts, but Microsoft supports only one active personal OneDrive account on each computer. Settings are managed per account. Microsoft’s settings guide covers account management.
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- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
OneDrive is built into some Windows versions and may not be uninstallable there. If you do not want to use it, you can unlink the PC and hide or disable OneDrive rather than assuming it must be removed. The available options depend on the Windows version; see Microsoft’s instructions for turning off or uninstalling OneDrive.
Quick Recap
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
