OneDrive is factory-integrated in Explorer on every Windows 10 computer. You can find out here how to set up Microsoft's cloud service quickly and easily and use it in everyday life.

OneDrive is an integral part of Windows 10. It doesn't matter whether you use cloud storage or not, the service's cloud logo can be found in Windows Explorer. In order to be able to use the virtual storage space, you have to activate it first. This can be done in two ways.

Set up OneDrive with the Microsoft account

If you log in to your computer with a Microsoft account, the OneDrive folder in Explorer is automatically linked to your account. If, on the other hand, you are using a local account, you have to activate the cloud in this way:

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Click the OneDrive logo in the folder toolbar on the left.
3. A window will now open asking you to create a new Microsoft account or to log in with an existing one.
4. In the next window, OneDrive gives you the option to select folders that should be automatically loaded into the cloud. The "Desktop", "Documents" and "Pictures" folders are selected by default. If you do not want to synchronize these folders, remove the check mark at this point. Then click on "Next".
5. Finally, OneDrive gives you a little tutorial about the basic functions of the software. You can either participate by clicking on "Next" or end by clicking on the cross in the upper right corner of the window.

This is how OneDrive works in everyday life

All files that you put in your OneDrive folder are automatically uploaded to the cloud. This means that you can access these files from any Internet-connected device on which you can log in with your Microsoft account. Otherwise you can use the cloud folder in Explorer like any other folder. Files can be moved, copied, edited or deleted. All changes you make are automatically synchronized on all devices that are linked to your OneDrive.

In the Explorer, the status column shows you whether the file in question is only in the cloud or also on your computer. To be able to open cloud files, you need an active internet connection. You can edit files that are stored on your computer without the Internet. However, they will only be synchronized with the cloud the next time you are online.

summary

• Set up OneDrive (option 1): Log in to the computer with a Microsoft account. The OneDrive folder is automatically linked to the account.
• Set up OneDrive (option 2): When logging on to the computer with a local account> Open Explorer> Click OneDrive> Register / create a Microsoft account> Set folder preferences.
• OneDrive folder works like any other folder in Explorer.
• Files that are only in the cloud can only be accessed with an active internet connection.
• Files that are downloaded and edited are only synced to the cloud when there is an active internet connection.