How do I set up OneDrive on my devices?

OneDrive is a powerful cloud storage service from Microsoft that lets you easily store, share and sync files between different devices. In this guide, we will explain step by step how to set up OneDrive and provide tips on how to solve common syncing problems.

Installing OneDrive on Windows

1. Launch the OneDrive app

On most Windows devices, OneDrive is already pre-installed. Click on the white or blue OneDrive icon in the taskbar. If you can't find it in the taskbar, you can search for ‘OneDrive’ in the search menu.

2. Login with your Microsoft account

When you open the app for the first time, you will be asked to log in with your Microsoft account. Enter your details and click ‘Sign in’.

3. Select folders for synchronisation

After logging in, you can choose which folders you want to sync between your device and OneDrive. You can always change this later via settings.

4. Enable automatic backups

You can set OneDrive to automatically backup important folders like your desktop, documents and images. You do this by clicking ‘Back up this PC’ and selecting the folders you want.

Install OneDrive on Mac

1. Download and install the OneDrive app

Visit the OneDrive website, download the OneDrive app for Mac and follow the installation instructions.

2. Log in and set up syncing

Open the app, log in with your Microsoft account and choose which folders you want to sync. You can always change this later via settings.

Set up OneDrive on Android or iOS

1. Download the OneDrive app

Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and search for ‘OneDrive’. Install the app on your device.

2. Log in with your Microsoft account

Open the app and log in with your Microsoft account to access your files.

3. Upload and share files

Through the app, you can easily upload, share and sync files with your other devices.

Fix common syncing problems with OneDrive

Although OneDrive usually works well, sometimes there can be problems syncing files. We have described some solutions to common problems below.

My OneDrive is not syncing properly

1. Check your internet connection: Synchronisation problems can be caused by an unstable internet connection. Make sure you have a stable connection.
2. Restart the OneDrive app: Exit and reopen the app to restart synchronisation.
3. Check your storage limit: If your OneDrive account is full, no new files can be synced. Check your available space in settings.
4. Restore OneDrive sync: If the above steps don't work, disconnect and reset your device:
• Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar.
• Go to Settings, select the Account tab , and click Disconnect from this PC.
• Log in again to restore the link.

Files are not updating or seem to be stuck

1. Check if the file is open: Close all files you are trying to sync, as open files sometimes fail to sync.
2. Remove cache files: Remove corrupted cache files by resetting OneDrive:
• Open Explorer and type %localappdata%OneDrive.exe /reset in the address bar.
• Press Enter and wait for OneDrive to restart.
3. Update the OneDrive app: Make sure you are using the latest version of the app, as outdated versions can cause synchronisation issues.

OneDrive keeps asking you to log in

1. Log out and log in again: Log out and log in again via the OneDrive settings to refresh your session.
2. Check your password and account status: Make sure you are using the correct login credentials and that your Microsoft account is active. If necessary, change your password with Microsoft and try again.

Prevent sync problems

1. Keep your OneDrive up-to-date: Make sure you are using the latest version of OneDrive to avoid bugs and synchronisation problems.
2. Monitor your storage space: Delete unnecessary files regularly to keep enough storage space for new syncs.
3. Check your device settings: Make sure your device does not go into sleep mode while syncing large files, as this can interrupt syncing.