OneDrive on Web Part 4: Desktop Client and Sync

OneDrive on the web part 4: desktop client setup on Windows. Install, backup, multi-account, Files On-Demand and sync icons explained.

2022-08-02 · 2 min read · 358 words · difficulty: Intermediate

#OneDrive#OneDrive for Business#Desktop Client#Sync#Files On-Demand#Windows#Microsoft 365Microsoft 365Cloud StorageProductivity

Table of contents

This article is part of a series.


Setting Up OneDrive On Your Windows Machine

How To Setup OneDrive On Windows OS?

  1. Click Up Arrow in Notification Area (system tray)
  2. Click OneDrive icon (cloud)
  3. Click Sign In
  4. Enter your email address (e.g., user@domain.com) → Enter
  5. Enter password → Enter
  6. Choose OneDrive folder location → Change Location → Select drive (e.g., D:\) → Next
  7. Click Next through remaining screens
  8. Click Finish

Your OneDrive is now ready.


How To Configure Your OneDrive?

  1. Click Up Arrow in Notification Area → OneDrive icon
  2. Click Help & Settings → Settings
  3. Settings tab:
    • ✅ Save space and download files as you use them (Files On-Demand)
    • ❌ Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows (optional)
  4. Click OK

How To Manage Backup Of Desktop, Documents, And Pictures?

  1. OneDrive icon → Help & Settings → Settings
  2. Backup tab → Manage Backup
  3. Select folders: Desktop, Documents, Pictures
  4. Click Start Backup
  5. Close dialog → OK

How To Add Second OneDrive (Personal + Business)?

  1. OneDrive icon → Help & Settings → Settings
  2. Account tab → Add an account
  3. Follow setup steps above

How To Share Files Using OneDrive App?

  1. Open File Explorer → Navigate to file
  2. Right-click file → Share
  3. Enter email address and message
  4. Click Send

What Is The Use Of “Always Keep On Device” And “Free Up Space”?

Always Keep On Device

  • Makes files available offline on your PC
  • Shows solid green circle with white check mark
  • Uses local disk space

Free Up Space

  • Removes local copy, keeps file online-only (cloud)
  • Does not delete from OneDrive
  • Shows blue cloud icon

What Do The OneDrive Icons Mean?

IconMeaning
Red circle with white crossSync error - file/folder cannot sync
People iconFile/folder shared with others
Blue cloudOnline-only (doesn’t use local space)
Green tickLocally available (downloaded)
Solid green circle with white check“Always keep on this device”
PadlockFile has settings preventing sync (sensitivity label, etc.)


MU
Madhusudan Upadhyay

ICT Support Executive · 11+ yrs · M365 · Intune · Windows Server & AD · Kathmandu. Work with me →

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