Adding storage to the devices we use can be both easy and inexpensive. Every day, millions of people add a MicroSD card to their smartphone or tablet and it solves almost any storage problem. Those who have devices that do not support microSD cards, simply plug in and external hard disk drive. Microsoft OneDrive, a new one-year cloud storage service, is for users who can’t or don’t want to add more physical storage to their device.
In some cases, going with Microsoft OneDrive is a practical concern. The company is giving everyone 5 GB free of charge. When users realize they need more, they’re already invested in OneDrive and how it works. Why would you go to the trouble of switching? For others, OneDrive is a place where they can work with files as well as a way to keep them safe in case something happens to their device. These people are looking for data redundancy without the complicated hardware setups they used to need.
If you’re using Windows or Mac, Microsoft OneDrive is a pretty good alternative for storing your pictures, files, and more online and syncing them across multiple devices. Here are some tips for getting the most out of Microsoft OneDrive.
Bypass Manual Save with OneDrive Options for Microsoft Office
OneDrive integrates with many Microsoft stops in ways you might expect and some might not. One that definitely fits the previous category is Microsoft Office integration. Using OneDrive as the backbone, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote allow you to connect to a OneDrive account and store documents there. The idea is that you always have your version available no matter what device you are on, even in Microsoft Office Online.
Microsoft Office Mobile, Microsoft Office 2013, and Microsoft Office 2016 each have built-in OneDrive syncing. If you’ve already linked a Microsoft Account, you’ll have to decide to save to OneDrive only, rather than your device. Tap or click the username in the upper-right corner to add a Microsoft Account to your copy of Microsoft Office. There should be options to sync both work and personal accounts.
Download Microsoft OneDrive for Syncing in Windows 7 and Windows Vista
Microsoft includes built-in support for OneDrive syncing with Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. This certainly does not mean that you cannot get the service in Windows 7 without an upgrade.
Windows 7 users can download the OneDrive app and get the same syncing features as other users at: OneDrive.com. This application also works for use with Windows Vista installed on their system. Unfortunately, Microsoft is leaving Windows XP users out in the cold with OneDrive support. This operating system is no longer supported by the service.
Change Folders to Sync with Microsoft OneDrive
When you set up OneDrive for the first time, you’re asked to consider which folders you want to sync from your existing OneDrive account. After that, the app will never ask you again.
To add a new folder you want to sync or stop syncing a folder you decide, right-click or tap and hold the OneDrive cloud icon in your Taskbar and tap or click the Now button.
Use Microsoft OneDrive AutoSave
Also available from within OneDrive Settings, OneDrive has the ability to act as your default place to save documents, pictures, videos, and screenshots.
Right-click or tap and hold the cloud icon in your Taskbar. Then select Settings and search for the tab. This is very useful if you think you might forget to sync with OneDrive by default, or if you’re worried about other family members forgetting.
Play Music Stored in Microsoft OneDrive from Groove Music on the Web
OneDrive’s weirdest relationship is with Microsoft’s own Groove Music service. Microsoft encourages users to store all their content online, including music. If you decide to do this, that’s great, you’ll always know where your stored MP3s are safe.
You can always play those too, Groove Music’s web app connects to OneDrive and lets you play any of the music you store there, provided it’s one of the formats it understands. It’s a great way to listen to your music on a device that doesn’t belong to you, like a library PC or a laptop you borrowed for the day.
Additionally, buy a Groove Music Pass subscription for $9.99 a month and Microsoft will automatically add 100GB of cloud storage to your OneDrive service. Presumably this is to encourage the jukebox-like feature.
Go to OneDrive.com to Manage Storage
With Windows 8.1, Microsoft integrated OneDrive directly into the Settings app, giving users a tangible place to manage their content. The company then threw all that work out for Windows 10.
When it comes to managing storage, save yourself some time and head over to OneDrive.com. You can sign in there and see how much storage you have left in your OneDrive Account. You can also see what storage bonuses you’ve accumulated or buy a storage plan. Don’t bother looking for a way to manage them on your Windows 10 PC. They are not there.
Use OneDrive.com to Share Photos and Embed Documents
OneDrive.com is also where you want to go to share files, documents, or folders with other people. The site allows you to open a folder to the whole world or allow access only to people you give access to. It’s a great way to share anything you don’t want to store on a flash drive or burn to DVD.
Add Microsoft OneDrive Apps to Your iPhone and Android Device for Picture Sync
Again, one of Microsoft OneDrive’s biggest selling points is that it lets you take your storage worries away. But what if your device breaks down, everything you need is stored elsewhere. Many don’t realize that you can have the same peace of mind with OneDrive for iPhone and Android.
Both apps allow you to automatically upload your picture and video directly to Microsoft servers. OneDrive will then make these pictures available on your other devices without any action from you. OneDrive for iPhone and OneDrive for Android They are free to download and use, but if you use them often you may find yourself buying more storage.
OneDrive support is also built into Microsoft’s Windows 10 Mobile operating system.
Keep an Eye on the OneDrive Recycle Bin
Accidentally deleted something you needed? Like your Windows PC, OneDrive has a Recycle Bin that lets you restore files and folders you accidentally deleted. To access it, you need to log into OneDrive.com and search for it in the left menu.
Good luck using Microsoft OneDrive.
