About Microsoft OneDrive

OneDrive is an online storage service that allows you to upload, backup, create, view, edit, and share files with a 1 TB storage limit. By backing up your data in the cloud, it will remain safe if your computer is lost, stolen, physically damaged, or compromised.

Overview

Microsoft OneDrive serves as Ithaca College's cloud-based file storage platform. It enables you to upload, back up, create, view, edit, and share files online. By storing your data in the cloud, it stays protected even if your computer is lost, stolen, damaged, or compromised, facilitating a seamless technology renewal process.

Included in Microsoft Office 365, OneDrive offers you 1 TB of storage at no cost. Utilizing the OneDrive sync client, a folder will be created on your hard drive that synchronizes with your cloud storage. Any files placed in this folder automatically upload to OneDrive, making them accessible from various computers and devices.

2023 OneDrive Update

The 2023 update to OneDrive introduces a significant change in the integration of the OneDrive app, replacing the Files app. Key enhancements include:

• Unified Interface: A single interface now presents Office documents, PDFs, Loops, Lists, meeting recordings, videos, and other files in a cohesive manner.
• 'For You' Section: Utilizing AI, the OneDrive app's 'For You' section offers personalized file recommendations, prioritizing the most relevant and time-sensitive content. It also displays a list of your recently accessed documents, including details like the last opened time, the owner, and recent activities.
• Shared Files Interface: The revamped Shared interface in OneDrive simplifies the process of locating files shared with you. It consolidates all shared files, irrespective of the original sharing source, whether shared internally or externally.
• People View: This feature organizes files based on your collaborations. It adapts to the context and displays files related to your work with specific colleagues. You can pin individuals for quick access, and preview their recent activities without opening the files.
• Meetings View: This view showcases all files related to your meetings, including chats, notes, Loops, and materials from both upcoming and past meetings. It even includes files from meetings you couldn’t attend.

Additional features include:

• Colored Folders: Customize folder appearances with different colors.
• Favorites: Mark files as favorites by clicking the star icon next to their names. Access these files easily in the Favorites view.
• File Shortcuts: Create shortcuts to files within your OneDrive folders, allowing for efficient organization and access.

Features

• OneDrive PC Folder Backup: Securely back up crucial folders like your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures on your Windows device using OneDrive PC Folder Backup. This feature ensures that the contents of these folders are safeguarded and accessible on other devices. For more information, refer to Back up your folders with OneDrive (microsoft.com)
• Files On-Demand: Optimize your disk space with OneDrive's Files On-Demand feature. It allows you to access your OneDrive files without needing to download them fully, saving storage space on your Windows and macOS device. For further details, visit Save disk space with OneDrive Files On-Demand for Windows (microsoft.com)
• Share Files and Folders: OneDrive enables you to share photos, documents, and entire folders with others. Your stored files and folders in OneDrive remain private until you choose to share them. You can also track where a OneDrive file is shared and revoke sharing permissions at any time. For additional guidance, see Share OneDrive files and folders (microsoft.com)

Common Issues

Occasionally, OneDrive may experience syncing issues. The most common problems include:

• Duplicate File Names: Sometimes, OneDrive creates a duplicate of a file, appending your computer's name to the filename. This usually signals a need to refresh your credentials. For more information, refer to Duplicate files in OneDrive (microsoft.com).
• Invalid Characters: OneDrive cannot sync files or folders named with these characters: " * : < > ? / \ |. If it encounters such characters, OneDrive tries to resolve the issue automatically. If it can't, you'll need to rename the file or folder manually. For macOS users, IT has provided a tool in the Self Service application to automate renaming:
  1. Open the Self Service application on macOS.
  2. Select OneDrive Fix Invalid Characters and select Run.
• Processing Changes: If OneDrive is continuously "Processing changes," it might be due to an open online file, a backlog of files waiting to be synced, or a large file in the process of syncing. For further details, OneDrive is stuck on Processing changes (microsoft.com).