Skip to main content

How to store files on OneDrive on Windows 10

OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage platform, and it’s fully integrated into Windows 10, making it a great choice for file sharing and cloud backups among your devices. You can move files and folders to and from your OneDrive in a few different ways, but none of them are complicated, and all of them are quick. Here’s how to store files on OneDrive on Windows 10.

Interested in other cloud storage options? Check out our guide to the best cloud backup clients.

Step 1: Open the OneDrive folder

One Drive folder

New installations of Windows 10 have a OneDrive folder automatically. To find it, search for OneDrive in the Windows search box near the Start menu. Then select the corresponding result.

Step 2: Move files into the OneDrive folder

Moving files into the OneDrive folder makes them accessible via the cloud storage platform’s various other applications and clients. Depending on whether you want to use OneDrive for backup purposes, or want to store files there instead of on your Windows 10 PC, you can copy and paste, or cut and paste them into the OneDrive folder. For more information on cutting and pasting, check out our guide to Windows 10’s keyboard shortcuts.

Whichever method you use, as long as you’ve moved the files into the OneDrive folder, they are now stored on OneDrive! It’s that easy.

Note: If you find that files you put in the folder have an icon that looks like a pair of rotating arrows, that file hasn’t synced with OneDrive. It may be that you don’t have the OneDrive application running. To do so, search for OneDrive in Windows search and select the OneDrive app, rather than the folder. That should trigger synchronization. If not, right click the file in question and select Share.

OneDrive app

Use the OneDrive app

For more functionality with OneDrive on Windows 10, you can use the stand-alone application.

Step 1: Search for OneDrive in the Windows search bar and select the OneDrive application under the Apps heading. If you don’t have it installed, search for Microsoft Store instead and select the corresponding result. Search for OneDrive on the store, select the OneDrive app, and select Get. Once it’s installed, select Launch.

OneDrive Folder

Step 2: Select the folder that you want to store your files in (or create a new one using the Folder icon in the top menu). Then drag and drop any files you want to store there into the main Window and they will automatically be synced with your Microsoft OneDrive account. Alternatively, use the Upload button in the top menu bar to choose which files and folders you want to store there.

OneDrive App

Use the OneDrive website

Another way to store files on OneDrive on Windows 10 is through the OneDrive website. It functions in much the same way as the applications, but you can access it on any Windows 10 machine.

Step 1: Head to the OneDrive website and sign in using the link in the top-right corner and your Microsoft account details. It should be the same as your username and password for logging in to Windows 10.

Step 2: Select the folder that you want to store your files in, or create a new one by selecting New in the top menu bar.

OneDrive Website

Step 3: Drag and drop any files that you want to store on OneDrive. Alternatively, use the Upload button in the top menu to send any files and/or folders to your OneDrive storage.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Best VPN services 2023: today’s top picks
best VPN services

In today's world, the internet is used for virtually everything including work, education, shopping, socializing, and managing finances. That means that ensuring your online privacy and personal data security has become more crucial than ever. Even if you lack technical skills, there's an affordable and easy solution available: a virtual private network, better known as a VPN. By using a good VPN, you can protect your devices and hide your online traffic from cyber-criminals, identity thieves, online snoops, and institutional censorship. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right VPN for your needs and budget. To help you make an informed decision and save you some money, we have curated a comprehensive list of the best VPN services complete with details on their pricing, features, and more.
Best VPN 2023

NordVPN
ExpressVPN
Surfshark
IPVanish
AtlasVPN
Hotspot Shield
PrivadoVPN
CyberGhost
PureVPN
TunnelBear
Private Internet Access
Kaspersky VPN

Read more
These are the new AI features coming to Gmail, Google Docs, and Sheets
Google has announced a host of new writing focused AI features for its Workspace suite.

Google Workspace is getting a generative AI boost at the same time that many other productivity suites are adding new features that allow users to simplify clerical tasks with just a prompt.

Following up on the visual redesign to Google Docs and the announcement of Google Bard, these new AI features are the company's latest attempt to bring more buzzy goodness to its most popular applications.

Read more
Edge Copilot finally delivers on Microsoft’s Bing Chat promises
Here's Microsoft's example of how Bing chat will work in the future.

Microsoft is finally making the version of Bing Chat we heard about in February a reality. The latest version of Microsoft Edge (111.0.1661.41) includes the Bing Copoilot sidebar, which allows you to chat, generate AI content, and get insights into topics powered by AI.

This is the form of Bing Chat Microsoft originally pitched. Since its launch, the chat portion of Bing Chat has been available through a waitlist that, according to Microsoft, has amassed millions of sign-ups. However, Microsoft also talked about Bing Copilot, which would live in the Edge sidebar and open up the possibility of generating emails, blog posts, and more, as well as provide context for whatever web page you were on.

Read more