Sync files with OneDrive in Windows

With OneDrive, you can sync files between your computer and the cloud, so you can get to your files from anywhere - your computer, your mobile device, and even through the OneDrive website at OneDrive.com. If you add, change, or delete a file or folder in your OneDrive folder, the file or folder is added, changed, or deleted on the OneDrive website and vice versa. You can work with your synced files directly in File Explorer and access your files even when you’re offline. Whenever you’re online, any changes that you or others make will sync automatically.

This article describes how to download the OneDrive sync app and sign in with your personal account, or work or school account, to get started syncing. If you use Microsoft 365 Apps for business, you can also sync files from your SharePoint sites. If you're not using Microsoft 365 Apps for business, see Sync SharePoint files with the OneDrive for Business sync app (Groove.exe).

• Install and set up

• Key points in OneDrive Setup

• See and manage your OneDrive files

Install and set up

1. If you're using Windows 10 or 11, your computer already has the OneDrive app installed - skip to step 2.

   If you don't have Windows 10, 11, or Office 2016, install the Windows version of the new OneDrive sync app.

2. Start OneDrive Setup.

   • If you have no accounts signed in to OneDrive

   • If you already have an account signed in to OneDrive

Key points in OneDrive Setup

There are two screens in OneDrive Setup that are helpful to watch for:

• On the This is your OneDrive folder screen, select Next to accept the default folder location for your OneDrive files. If you want to change the folder location, select Change location - this is the best time to make this change.

  

• On the All your files, ready and on-demand screen, you'll see how files are marked to show them as online-only, locally available, or always available. Files On-Demand helps you access all your files in OneDrive without having to download all of them and use storage space on your Windows device. Select Next.

  

See and manage your OneDrive files

You're all set. Your OneDrive files will appear in File Explorer in the OneDrive folder. If you use more than one account, your personal files appear under OneDrive – Personal and your work or school files appear under OneDrive - CompanyName.

You now have a new white or blue cloud icon (or both) in your notification area and your files are synced to your computer. Your blue cloud icon will appear as OneDrive – CompanyName when you hover over the icon.

Any time you want to change the folders you sync on your computer, right-click that cloud icon in the taskbar notification area, and select Settings > Account > Choose folders. Find other information about your account and change other OneDrive settings from here.

Learn more

• How to fix "A newer version of OneDrive is installed"

• Learn about OneDrive Files On-Demand

• Back up your Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders with OneDrive

• Choose which OneDrive folders to sync to your computer

• Fix OneDrive sync problems

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