How to set up OneDrive on a new Windows PC

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Open the OneDrive application

   Press the Windows key and type 'OneDrive'. Select the application from the search results to initiate the setup wizard. If OneDrive is not installed, download the client directly from the official Microsoft support page.

   Note: Win + S
2. 1 min

   Authenticate your Microsoft account

   Enter your Microsoft account email address and click Sign In. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your password and complete any required two-factor authentication steps.

   Note: Use a personal Microsoft account for OneDrive Personal, or your work/school credentials for OneDrive for Business.
3. 1 min

   Select the sync folder location

   The wizard will suggest a default location for your OneDrive folder at C:\Users\[Username]\OneDrive. Click Change Location if you prefer to sync your files to a different drive or partition, then click Next.

4. 1 min

   Choose folders for automatic backup

   Select the checkboxes for Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to enable continuous backup. Click Start Backup to sync these local folders to your cloud storage automatically.

   Note: Files stored in these folders will remain accessible even if you lose access to this specific PC.
5. 30 sec

   Complete the setup

   Click Open my OneDrive folder to verify the synchronization is active. A blue cloud icon will appear in the system tray, indicating that your files are currently syncing with the server.

   Note: Files with a green checkmark are available locally, while files with a cloud icon are stored only online.