Microsoft OneDrive Quick Start Guide

Microsoft OneDrive Quick Start Guide

Microsoft OneDrive for Business Quick Start Guide

Overview

Microsoft OneDrive for Business is DACC's personal cloud storage space within Microsoft 365. It allows you to securely store, access, synchronize, and share work files from any device while maintaining version history and collaboration capabilities.

Getting Started

Access OneDrive

By default, OneDrive should already be installed on any Windows 11 computer. If it's missing from a DACC-owned device, please contact us at helpdesk@dacc.edu. If it's missing from your personal device, you can download and install it from here (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/download).

Check your system tray in the bottom right corner to view OneDrive's status. You may need to click the arrow to see all the icons.

If the icon is grey with a line through it, then you need to click it and sign in first. If the icon is blue, then you're already signed into OneDrive and can skip the remaining steps.

2. When you click on the icon and attempt to log in, you'll enter your official DACC email and password to sign in. You may be prompted for the multi-factor authentication (MFA) code or passkey that you set up when you registered your DACC account.
3. While signing in, you may be asked whether you want to back-up your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. It's highly recommended to enable these settings to prevent data loss if something happens to your machine in the future. NOTE: If you have Folder Redirection enabled, you will not be able to select these options until a later date.
4. Once signed in, the icon should change to a blue cloud and you're ready to go. If you already had files on OneDrive, it may take a few minutes to sync to your device.

From a Web Browser

  1. Sign in to Microsoft 365 using your DACC account (https://onedrive.live.com/login).
  2. You may be prompted for the multi-factor authentication (MFA) code or passkey that you set up when you registered your DACC account.

From Microsoft Teams

  1. Open Microsoft Teams. If you need help on setting up Microsoft Teams, you can view our guide here (https://dacchelp.zohodesk.com/portal/en/kb/articles/microsoft-teams-quick-start-guide).
  2. Select OneDrive from the left navigation menu.
  3. Access your personal files and shared content directly within Teams.

From Mobile Devices

1. Download the Microsoft OneDrive app:

2. Sign in with your DACC account to access files from anywhere.

OneDrive Desktop App Interface


By default, when using the OneDrive Desktop App, you will have a new File Explorer location that allows you to add/edit files directly from your computer. Files and folders placed in this location will mimic what is shown in the web interface, as well.

You can also view the status of each file and folder by looking at their icons.


Understanding the OneDrive Web Interface

Home

The Home page helps you quickly locate files across Microsoft 365.

Features include:

  • Recent files you've worked on
  • Recommended files
  • Favorites
  • Shared files
  • Meeting-related documents
  • Quick Access shortcuts to frequently used locations

My Files

Your primary workspace for:

  • Creating folders
  • Uploading files
  • Organizing documents
  • Managing personal DACC content

Shared

View files that:

  • Others have shared with you
  • You have shared with others

You can also see recent activity and collaborators.

Recycle Bin

Recover accidentally deleted files.

Upload Files and Folders

Upload Files

  1. Open OneDrive.
  2. Select +Create or upload.
  3. Choose Files or Folder.
  4. Browse to your content and select Open.

Drag and Drop

You can also drag files or folders directly from Windows File Explorer into your OneDrive browser window.

Create New Documents

  1. Select +Create or upload.
  2. Choose:
    • Word Document
    • Excel Workbook
    • PowerPoint Presentation
    • OneNote Notebook
    • Folder
  3. Start working immediately in Microsoft 365.

Changes save automatically as you work.

Share Files Securely

Share a Document

  1. Select a file.
  2. Click Share.
  3. Enter recipient names or email addresses.
  4. Choose permissions:
    • Can Edit
    • Can View
  5. Add a message (optional).
  6. Click Send.

Collaborate with Others

Real-Time Co-Authoring

Multiple people can work in the same document simultaneously.

Benefits include:

  • Automatic saving
  • Real-time updates
  • Version tracking
  • Reduced duplicate files

View Activity

Use the Details Pane to see:

  • Who has access
  • Recent changes
  • Sharing information
  • File activity history

Search for Files

Use the search box at the top of OneDrive to locate:

  • File names
  • Keywords
  • Documents shared by colleagues
  • Recently accessed content

Best Practices

✅ Store important documents in OneDrive rather than locally on your computer.

✅ Use meaningful folder names and consistent organization.

✅ Share links instead of emailing attachments whenever possible.

✅ Take advantage of version history before overwriting important files.

✅ Use Teams and OneDrive together for collaboration.

✅ Review sharing permissions regularly to protect sensitive information.

Need Help?

If you have any questions that weren't covered in this guide, please contact us at helpdesk@dacc.edu