How to add OneDrive to File Explorer or Finder
With the ability to easily add and view thousands of files across multiple devices, cloud storage is a must-have these days. Microsoft’s OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) is among the most popular services around, due to in part to its excellent integration with Office apps such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
However, it can be frustrating to have to navigate to the website on your PC or laptop each time, particularly when your locally stored files are in a completely different place. It doesn’t have to be that way though – here’s how to add OneDrive to File Explorer in Windows and Finder on macOS.
How to add OneDrive to File Explorer
OneDrive usually comes pre-installed on Windows 10 PCs, but if it’s not on your device for any reason you can download it from theMicrosoft website. Click the download file to install it, and after a few seconds, you should see it appear in File Explorer.
If you’re already signed in to your Microsoft account on the device, clicking ‘OneDrive’ will display all those in your cloud storage account. If not, you’ll be prompted to sign in when clicking on it for the first time.
The key difference you’ll notice between this and locally-stored files is the ‘Status’ indicator. A cloud icon indicates it’s stored in the cloud and will only be downloaded for offline use when you move or open it. At that point, the status indicator will change to a green tick. A smaller icon next to either of these indicates the file has been shared with someone, and any changes you make will also appear for them.
You are free to move files around as you please, although any changes you make will be applied across all your devices. If you’re offline at the time, they’ll be made the next time you have an active internet connection.
How to add OneDrive to Finder
Although Microsoft and Apple don’t always play nicely, it’s relatively easy to add OneDrive to Finder.
The same options as Windows are here, with indicators if files are only stored locally, in the cloud or in the process of being synced (clockwise arrows).
See how OneDrive stacks up to the competition in our guide to thebest cloud storage services.
Author: Anyron Copeman, Mobile Editor, Tech Advisor
Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor, where he’s been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019. In his current role, Anyron is responsible for all smartphone, tablet and mobile network coverage on the site. A BA Journalism graduate, he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, wearables and more.
