The fastest way to get OneDrive running on your PC

OneDrive comes built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, so you likely already have it installed. If you use a Microsoft account to sign into your PC, OneDrive is already set up and waiting — you just need to open it. If you use a local account instead, you can read OneDrive from the Microsoft Store or sign in with a Microsoft account to set up it.

The simplest path: click the OneDrive icon in your system tray (the small icons on the far right of your taskbar), or search for "OneDrive" in the Windows search box and open the app. You will see a folder on your PC where your cloud files live. Anything you put in that folder automatically syncs to the cloud and to your other devices.

Key Takeaways

  • OneDrive is already on your PC if you have Windows 10 or 11 and signed in with a Microsoft account — you do not need to read anything.
  • You access your OneDrive folder through File Explorer or by clicking the OneDrive icon in your system tray at the bottom right of your screen.
  • Files you save in your OneDrive folder sync automatically to the cloud, but only while your PC is connected to the internet and OneDrive is running.
  • If you use a local Windows account instead of a Microsoft account, you can sign into OneDrive separately or switch to a Microsoft account to enable it.

Finding OneDrive if it is already on your PC

Open File Explorer (the folder icon on your taskbar, or press Windows key + E). Look in the left sidebar — you will see "OneDrive" listed above "This PC". Click it to open your OneDrive folder. This is the folder where your synced files live.

You can also find OneDrive in your system tray. Look at the bottom right corner of your screen, where the clock is. You may see a cloud icon — that is OneDrive. Click it to see the status of your sync, access settings, or open your OneDrive folder. If you do not see the icon, click the up arrow (^) in the system tray to show hidden icons.

Signing in if OneDrive is not active

If you set up Windows with a local account (a username and password you created just for that PC, not a Microsoft account), OneDrive will not sync automatically. You have two options: sign in to OneDrive with a Microsoft account, or switch your Windows login to a Microsoft account.

To sign in to OneDrive without changing your Windows account, search for "OneDrive" in the Windows search box and open the app. You will see a sign-in screen. Enter your Microsoft account email and password. If you do not have a Microsoft account, you can create one for free at account.microsoft.com. Once you sign in, OneDrive will create a folder on your PC and begin syncing.

To switch your Windows account to a Microsoft account instead, go to Settings (Windows key + I), then click "Accounts" on the left, then "Your info". Click "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead" and follow the steps. This lets you use OneDrive and other Microsoft services without signing in separately.

Understanding what syncs and what does not

Only files inside your OneDrive folder sync to the cloud. If you save a file on your Desktop or in Documents, it will not go to OneDrive unless you move it into the OneDrive folder. You can drag and drop files into OneDrive, or right-click a file and choose "Move to OneDrive".

OneDrive only syncs while your PC is on and connected to the internet, and while the OneDrive app is running. If you close the OneDrive app or disconnect from the internet, syncing pauses. It resumes automatically when you reconnect. You can see the sync status by clicking the OneDrive icon in your system tray — a green checkmark means everything is synced, and a spinning circle means syncing is in progress.

Controlling how much space OneDrive uses on your PC

By default, OneDrive downloads all your cloud files to your PC so you can access them offline. If you have a large OneDrive and a small hard drive, this can fill up your PC quickly. You can change this behavior in OneDrive settings.

Right-click the OneDrive icon in your system tray and click "Settings". Go to the "Files On-Demand" tab. Turn on "Use Files On-Demand" to read only the files you actually open, not everything. Files you have not opened will show a cloud icon instead of taking up space on your PC. When you click them, they read automatically. This is useful if you have limited storage but want access to all your files.

Accessing OneDrive from a web browser

You do not have to use the OneDrive app on your PC. You can also go to onedrive.live.com, sign in with your Microsoft account, and access your files from any web browser. This is useful if you are on someone else's computer or if you want to upload files without opening the OneDrive app.

The web version works the same way as the app — you can create folders, upload files, read files, and share files with others. Changes you make in the web version sync back to your PC automatically, and changes you make on your PC appear in the web version within a few minutes.

Troubleshooting when OneDrive will not open or sync

If OneDrive will not open, restart your PC first — this fixes most problems. If it still will not open, search for "OneDrive" in the Windows search box, right-click the result, and click "Run as administrator". If that does not work, go to Settings, then "Apps", then "Apps and features", find OneDrive in the list, click it, and click "Repair".

If OneDrive opens but will not sync, check that you are connected to the internet. Then right-click the OneDrive icon in your system tray and click "Help and settings", then "Settings". Make sure "Sync files" is turned on. If files are still not syncing after a few minutes, restart the OneDrive app by right-clicking the icon and clicking "Close OneDrive", then opening it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use OneDrive if it came with Windows?

No. You can turn off OneDrive syncing without uninstalling it. Right-click the OneDrive icon in your system tray, click "Help and settings", then "Settings", and turn off "Sync files". Your files will stay on your PC but will not sync to the cloud. You can turn syncing back on anytime.

What happens to my files if I sign out of OneDrive?

Your files stay on your PC — they do not disappear. They just stop syncing to the cloud. If you sign back in later, syncing resumes and your files update to match what is in the cloud. If you made changes while signed out, those changes sync up when you sign back in.

Can I use OneDrive on multiple PCs with the same account?

Yes. Sign in with the same Microsoft account on each PC, and your OneDrive folder will sync on all of them. Changes you make on one PC appear on the others within a few minutes. Be careful not to edit the same file on two PCs at the same time — OneDrive will create a copy to avoid losing changes.

How much storage do I get with OneDrive?

A free Microsoft account comes with 5 GB of OneDrive storage. If you need more, you can buy additional storage through Microsoft 365 (which includes other Microsoft apps and services) or buy storage alone. Check your storage use by clicking the OneDrive icon in your system tray and looking at the storage meter.

Can I share files from OneDrive with other people?

Yes. Right-click a file or folder in your OneDrive folder, click "Share", and enter the email address of the person you want to share with. You can choose whether they can edit the file or only view it. They will receive a link and can access the file in their web browser without needing a OneDrive account.