OneDrive is Microsoft’s flagship cloud solution that offers cloud-based storage for users.
Not only does it help in storing files that can be accessed from anywhere across the globe but users can also easily share files using OneDrive. Users get 5GB of space for free, however, they can top up on this space by referring other users and performing various ethical hacks. Users/ businesses that require large amounts of cloud storage space can get it from OneDrive after subscribing to a premium plan. OneDrive is installed by default in Windows 10, whereas users of older Windows versions need to download and install it.
You can access OneDrive from your computer/ laptop, from the web or by using your smartphone or tablet.
The procedure of performing the fundamental tasks w.r.t cloud computing is similar in all three modes of operation. The following lines lay out an in-depth tutorial of OneDrive in a step-wise manner.
Getting Started
When you sign in to Windows 10 for the first time, you are asked to agree to the terms and conditions including the privacy statement, after which you can access OneDrive using its folder located at C:/Users/%userprofile%/OneDrive. You can also set the sync settings for the OneDrive Folder.
How to Add a File?
The most common and easiest way to add a file to OneDrive is through drag and drop. The other available options include copying the required file and pasting in the OneDrive folder as well as via the website of OneDrive. These steps describe how you can go about adding a file through OneDrive‘s website:
- Once you have logged into your Microsoft account at OneDrive’s site, click/ tap the Upload button to select files from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
- Once you have made the selection click/ tap on Open to confirm your selection.
There is also a dedicated app for using OneDrive with your smartphone and tablet. For media, OneDrive offers the best experience in smartphones and tablets where you are presented with the opportunity to automatically save photos and videos by turning on the camera backup option.
How to Share a File?
Unlike emails, where you have to first upload an entire attachment and then share the files with someone, OneDrive provides a handy alternative by enabling the user to share the link of the file they want to share. To share a file online follow these steps:
- Select the particular file you want to share.
- Click the Share button (located on the top of the user interface).
- Choose between allowing editing as well as the link expiration date.
- Lastly, you can choose between sharing the file via email, social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Sina Weibo).
Be assured that the rest of your data will remain private and only the files you choose to share with someone can be accessed by them.
You can also share an entire folder with someone but this feature is only available for the online version of OneDrive and cannot be accessed via the OneDrive folder in Windows Explorer/ File Explorer.
Use Microsoft Office Tools
With OneDrive, you get the benefit of using various Microsoft Office products online for free and from anywhere including your smartphone and tablet. These products include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft OneNote. You can access them all by signing into the OneDrive website and clicking on New and then selecting the filetype from the available options. Now you can easily start working on the file without any issues whatsoever.
Instead of emailing versions of files back and forth, OneDrive makes it easier for people to collaborate on projects by editing the same file that was shared with them. People can add comments, insert images, charts and other content to the document themselves and you can review their additions.
Go Premium
Finally, you have the option to purchase the premium features of OneDrive. There are various packages to choose from, and the top-notch one offers 1TB of storage facility along with the entire Office package for your computer, tablet and smartphone.
Tips and Tricks
You can save files for offline viewing and editing too. This way you can work on your files at times when the Internet is playing tricks, and once your device is back online, the files will be synced up with the cloud storage.
You can view the media files stored on OneDrive through Xbox too. There is an app that allows you to do this and you can enjoy watching photo galleries and videos on the big screen all thanks to innovative goodness offered by OneDrive.
