How to Download OneDrive for PC?
Last updated
Last updated
OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage service, allows users to store files online, access them from any device, and easily share them with others. It is integrated with Windows, which makes it simple to back up your documents, photos, and other files without the need for an external hard drive or physical storage media. Whether you are looking to set up OneDrive on a new PC, reinstall it, or simply want to know how to download the app, this guide will walk you through the entire process.
In this comprehensive article, we will cover how to download OneDrive for PC, including detailed instructions for Windows 10, Windows 11, and older versions like Windows 7. We’ll also discuss how to install, set up, and use OneDrive on your PC.
Before you start the process of downloading and installing OneDrive on your PC, there are a few prerequisites you should check to ensure a smooth installation.
OneDrive requires a Microsoft account to function. This could be a personal account (such as an Outlook, Hotmail, or Live email account) or a work or school account tied to an Office 365 or Microsoft 365 subscription. If you don't have a Microsoft account, you will need to create one before you can use OneDrive.
Since OneDrive is a cloud-based storage service, it relies on an active internet connection to sync your files. You will need a stable internet connection to download the OneDrive app, sign in, and sync files to the cloud.
OneDrive is compatible with most modern versions of Windows, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows 7. However, for users on older versions like Windows 7 or Windows 8, you may need to manually download the OneDrive app as it is not integrated into those systems by default. In this article, we will cover the steps for downloading OneDrive on both newer and older versions of Windows.
While OneDrive offers cloud storage, the app itself still requires some storage space on your PC to operate. You’ll also need sufficient storage for the files you plan to sync from OneDrive. Make sure your device has enough space for both the OneDrive application and the files you intend to store.
Once you’ve confirmed these prerequisites, let’s move on to the process of downloading OneDrive for your PC.
On both Windows 10 and Windows 11, OneDrive is usually pre-installed as part of the operating system. In most cases, it should already be set up and ready to use, requiring no manual download. To check if OneDrive is installed on your PC:
Open the Start Menu:
Click on the Start Menu (the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen).
Search for OneDrive:
Type “OneDrive” into the search bar. If the OneDrive app is installed, it will appear in the search results.
Open OneDrive:
If OneDrive appears in the search results, click on it to open the application. If the app opens successfully, OneDrive is already installed on your PC, and you can start using it.
Check for the OneDrive Icon in the Taskbar:
Look for the cloud icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen). If the cloud icon appears, OneDrive is already running.
In rare cases, OneDrive may not be installed or may have been uninstalled for some reason. Fortunately, you can download and install it manually. Here’s how to do it:
Visit the OneDrive Download Page:
Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the official OneDrive download page. If OneDrive is not installed on your PC, you can download the latest version from this page.
Download the Installer:
Click the Download button to begin downloading the OneDrive installer. The file will typically be an .exe file designed for Windows PCs.
Run the Installer:
After the installer file has finished downloading, click on the file to open it and begin the installation process.
You may be prompted to allow the installer to make changes to your computer. Click Yes to continue.
Follow the Installation Prompts:
The OneDrive installer will guide you through the installation process. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the app. Once the installation is complete, OneDrive will open automatically, and you will be asked to sign in.
Sign In to OneDrive:
After installation, you’ll need to sign in using your Microsoft account. Enter your email address and password. If you don’t have a Microsoft account, you can create one during this process.
Choose Sync Folders:
OneDrive will prompt you to choose which folders you want to sync between your PC and the cloud. You can select to sync all files or just specific folders, depending on your preferences.
Complete the Setup:
Once you’ve selected your sync preferences, click Next to finish the setup process. OneDrive will begin syncing your selected files, and you can access them via File Explorer on your PC.
If you are using an older version of Windows, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8, OneDrive is not pre-installed, and you will need to manually download and install it. Fortunately, the process is straightforward.
For older versions of Windows, OneDrive is available as a downloadable app. Here's how to download it:
Open Your Web Browser:
Launch your preferred web browser and go to the OneDrive download page. This page will allow you to download the OneDrive installer for Windows.
Download the Installer:
Click the Download button to download the OneDrive setup file (usually an .exe file).
Run the Installer:
Once the download is complete, double-click the downloaded file to run the installer. You may be prompted to confirm that you want to allow the installer to make changes to your device. Click Yes to proceed.
Complete the Installation:
The installation wizard will guide you through the steps. Follow the on-screen instructions to install OneDrive on your PC. When the installation is complete, OneDrive will automatically launch.
Once OneDrive is installed, you’ll be prompted to sign in using your Microsoft account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one directly during the sign-in process.
Enter your email address associated with your Microsoft account.
Enter your password and complete the sign-in process.
After signing in, you’ll be asked to choose which folders you would like to sync to your PC. You can choose to sync all your files and folders or select only certain ones to save space on your PC.
Select the folders you want to sync and click Next.
OneDrive will then start syncing your files from the cloud to your PC.
Once the files are synced, you can access them through File Explorer on your PC. The OneDrive folder will be listed in the left-hand navigation pane, where you can open, edit, and organize your files just like you would with files stored locally on your PC.
After you’ve successfully downloaded and installed OneDrive on your PC, it’s time to start using it. Here are a few tips on how to make the most out of OneDrive once it’s set up:
OneDrive allows you to sync files across all your devices. Any files you save in your OneDrive folder on your PC will automatically be backed up to the cloud and synced across all devices linked to the same Microsoft account. Likewise, files you upload to OneDrive from another device will be available on your PC.
You can control which folders are synced to your PC by accessing the OneDrive settings through the taskbar icon:
Click the OneDrive Icon: Right-click on the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray.
Select Settings: From the menu, select Settings.
Choose Folders to Sync: Under the Account tab, you can select Choose folders to specify which files and folders you want to sync to your PC.
OneDrive makes it easy to share files with others. You can share individual files or entire folders directly from the OneDrive app or through File Explorer. Right-click a file or folder, select Share, and choose the sharing options that best suit your needs.
OneDrive offers the ability to make files available offline, which is useful when you don't have an internet connection. Right-click a file or folder in the OneDrive folder and select Always keep on this device to make it available offline.
OneDrive offers version history and file recovery features. If you accidentally delete or overwrite a file, you can restore it to an earlier version or recover it from the OneDrive website.
OneDrive provides a limited amount of free storage (typically 5 GB), but you can purchase additional storage if needed. To check how much space you’ve used, click on the OneDrive icon in the taskbar and select Manage Storage.
Downloading OneDrive for your PC is a simple process, whether you are using Windows 10, Windows 11, or older versions like Windows 7. OneDrive integrates seamlessly with Windows, providing a convenient and reliable way to store, sync, and share your files across devices. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up OneDrive on your PC and begin using it to manage and back up your important files. Once installed, OneDrive offers powerful features like file syncing, offline access, and collaboration, making it an invaluable tool for both personal and professional use.