How to Download OneDrive for MacBook?
Last updated
Last updated
OneDrive is a cloud storage service developed by Microsoft, allowing users to store their files online, synchronize them across different devices, and share them with others. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office applications, making it a vital tool for both personal and professional use. For MacBook users, OneDrive can help organize and back up files, ensuring easy access to documents, photos, and videos from anywhere.
If you're a MacBook user and would like to start using OneDrive, this article will guide you through the entire process. We will walk you through how to download and install OneDrive on your MacBook, sign in with your Microsoft account, sync files, and use all the essential features that OneDrive offers.
Before you begin the process of downloading and installing OneDrive on your MacBook, make sure you meet the following requirements:
OneDrive requires a Microsoft account to use the service. This account can either be a personal Microsoft account (like Outlook, Hotmail, or Live) or an organizational account tied to an Office 365 or Microsoft 365 subscription. If you don’t have a Microsoft account, you can create one for free during the setup process.
Since OneDrive is a cloud-based service, you will need a stable internet connection to download the app, upload files to the cloud, and sync files across devices. Ensure your MacBook is connected to the internet before you begin.
OneDrive is compatible with macOS 10.12 (Sierra) and later versions. Ensure that your MacBook is running a supported version of macOS. If your macOS version is outdated, you may need to update your operating system before proceeding with the download and installation.
While OneDrive itself doesn’t take up a lot of space, the files you sync to your MacBook will. Ensure that your MacBook has enough available storage to download the app and store the files you wish to sync.
Once you've confirmed these prerequisites, you're ready to proceed with downloading and installing OneDrive on your MacBook.
The process of downloading and installing OneDrive on a MacBook is straightforward. Follow the steps below:
OneDrive for MacBook is available for download through the Mac App Store, which makes the installation process quick and easy. Here's how you can get it:
Open the App Store: On your MacBook, click on the App Store icon located in your Dock or search for it using Spotlight (press Command + Space and type “App Store”).
Search for OneDrive: In the search bar at the top left of the App Store window, type “OneDrive” and press Enter.
Select OneDrive: In the search results, locate the official OneDrive app developed by Microsoft and click on it. You will be directed to the OneDrive download page within the App Store.
Click the Download Button: On the OneDrive app page, you will see the option to Get or Download (depending on your version of macOS). Click this button to initiate the download.
Sign in with Apple ID (if required): If you are not signed into the App Store with your Apple ID, you may be prompted to enter your credentials before the download can begin. If you're already logged in, the download will start automatically.
Wait for the Download to Complete: The OneDrive app will begin downloading, and once it's finished, it will appear in your Applications folder.
Once the download is complete, OneDrive will automatically be installed on your MacBook. You can now proceed to the next step to set it up.
Go to the Applications Folder: Open Finder, then click on Applications in the sidebar.
Launch OneDrive: Find OneDrive in your Applications folder and double-click on it to launch the app.
Now that OneDrive is downloaded and installed on your MacBook, you will need to sign in and set it up to start syncing your files.
Once the OneDrive app launches, it will prompt you to sign in with your Microsoft account.
Enter Your Microsoft Account Credentials: Type the email address associated with your Microsoft account (either personal or work/school account) and click Sign In.
Enter Your Password: Type the password associated with your Microsoft account and click Sign In again. If you have enabled two-factor authentication on your account, you may need to verify your identity through an additional method (like a code sent to your email or phone).
Accept Terms and Conditions: After successfully signing in, you will be asked to review and accept the terms and conditions for using OneDrive. Carefully read through the terms and click Agree to continue.
After signing in, OneDrive will ask you which folders you would like to sync to your MacBook. By default, OneDrive syncs your entire OneDrive folder to your computer, but you can customize this to save storage space.
Choose Folders to Sync: You will be presented with a list of folders in your OneDrive cloud storage. You can select to sync all files or choose specific folders to save on your MacBook. Select the appropriate option based on your preferences and click Next.
Configure Other Preferences: Depending on your version of macOS, OneDrive may also ask if you'd like to enable features like Files On-Demand. This feature lets you view and open files in OneDrive without actually downloading them, saving storage space on your MacBook. If you want to use this feature, ensure it's selected and click Next.
Start Syncing: After you've made your selections, OneDrive will begin syncing your files from the cloud to your MacBook. This may take some time, depending on how many files you are syncing and your internet speed.
Once OneDrive has finished syncing, you can access your OneDrive files directly from Finder on your MacBook.
Open Finder: In the Finder sidebar, you will see a OneDrive folder. Click on it to access your synced files.
Organize Your Files: You can organize, move, copy, or delete files within the OneDrive folder just like any other folder on your MacBook. Any changes you make here will be reflected across all devices linked to your OneDrive account.
After downloading and setting up OneDrive, you can use it to store, sync, and share files across devices. Here are some key features of OneDrive on your MacBook:
One of the primary benefits of OneDrive is its ability to sync files across multiple devices. Any changes you make to files stored in your OneDrive folder on your MacBook will be automatically updated in the cloud and accessible from other devices, such as your phone, tablet, or another computer. Similarly, files you add or modify on other devices will sync to your MacBook.
The Files On-Demand feature allows you to view and open files stored in OneDrive without downloading them first, saving storage space on your MacBook. You can choose to download files when needed or keep them online-only. Files with the cloud icon are available online, and those with a green checkmark are stored locally on your MacBook.
OneDrive allows you to easily share files and folders with others. You can send links to documents and set permissions (view or edit) directly from Finder. To share a file or folder:
Right-click the File/Folder: In Finder, right-click the file or folder you wish to share.
Click Share: Select the Share option, then choose the method by which you want to share (via link, email, etc.).
Set Permissions: Choose whether you want recipients to view or edit the file before sending the share link.
You can also use OneDrive to back up your important folders, such as Documents, Desktop, and Pictures. Once these folders are backed up to OneDrive, they will be automatically synced across your devices. To back up folders:
Open OneDrive Preferences: Click on the OneDrive icon in the menu bar, then select Preferences.
Backup Tab: In the Backup tab, click Manage Backup and select which folders you want to back up to OneDrive.
If you accidentally delete a file from OneDrive, it is not permanently lost. OneDrive retains a version history for each file, allowing you to restore it from the cloud. To restore a deleted file:
Go to the OneDrive Website: Open a browser and sign in to your OneDrive account.
Find the Deleted Files: Go to the Recycle Bin in your OneDrive account to find any deleted files.
Restore Files: Select the file(s) you want to recover, then click Restore.
Downloading and using OneDrive on your MacBook is a simple and effective way to manage your files, back them up, and ensure they are accessible across all your devices. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily download, install, and set up OneDrive on your MacBook. Once it’s set up, you can take full advantage of OneDrive’s features, including file syncing, sharing, offline access, and file versioning, to make your workflow more efficient and organized. Whether you're using OneDrive for personal storage or business collaboration, it’s a powerful cloud storage solution that integrates seamlessly with macOS and enhances your productivity.