OneDrive | Sync Client Setup - PC

Owned by Katie Dufner (Unlicensed), created
Last updated: Jun 21, 2022 by Savannah Swanson
4 min read

Access your OneDrive files from File Explorer

For personal devices you will need to install OneDrive from the web or an app store. Campus machines will already have OneDrive installed.



Setup the OneDrive Sync Client

  1. Open your start menu and search for OneDrive. Click on OneDrive Desktop app



  2. When you see the Set up OneDrive screen enter your username and Sign in

    1. Student username: your StarID@go.minnstate.edu 

    2. Employee username: your StarID@minnstate.edu

       

  3. Enter your StarID password and click Sign in. 



  4. Click Next through the next couple slides leaving the default file location.





     

     

  5. Learn what the different icons mean for space saving options.
    All your files will be available online or on your computer, but to save space, some documents are only shown as a place saver. Click Next.

     

  6. Setting up OneDrive on your phone is optional. You can choose Later to continue setup on your PC.

    To set up the mobile app, you will install the OneDrive app from your phone’s store and sign in the same way.



  7. Click Open my OneDrive folder



  8. Once you see the blue cloud icon in the bottom right of you taskbar or in the hidden icons tray, the OneDrive sync client available on your machine.

    It will appear gray until you have signed in. After you have signed in, the cloud will change to blue.



There is limited space on the hard drives of the machines. If you have more content in your OneDrive then the computer has space, you will not be able to download and view all your files.

Saving space on your hard drive using OneDrive

  1. Online only - these files are place holders so you know its available to access in your OneDrive account anytime. Double click on that file to download it and open it instantly on your device when you are online. Files with the cloud icon are not taking up space on your computer but can only be accessed when your device has an internet connection.

  2. This check mark means it has already been downloaded and is using space on your hard drive. Edits to this file can be offline.

You can choose to always have specific documents downloaded on your computer taking up space on your hard drive so it’s accessible and editable when your computer is offline.


Backup your Desktop, Documents and Pictures folders automatically with the OneDrive Sync Client

  1. Open OneDrive from the hidden icons in the task bar.




  2. Click on the Gear icon and then choose Settings


     

  3. Go to the Backup tab and choose manage backup




  4. Choose to backup your Desktop, Documents and Pictures and then Start backup




Edit the folders you want synced to the computer

  1. You can change the folders you want to sync anytime by going to Settings.
    Click on the blue cloud icon in the bottom right of your taskbar.

     

  2. Click on the Gear icon and then choose Settings




  3. Go to the Account tab and Choose folders.




  4. It is recommended to Make all files available to avoid confusion when creating new documents or folders.

 




Unlink your OneDrive account. 

 

Video Instructions