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Getting Started with Microsoft OneDrive

Kevin Speyer
Updated
Getting Started with Microsoft OneDrive

Getting Started with Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive is your personal cloud storage at La Sierra University. Files saved to OneDrive are backed up, accessible from any device, and easy to share with classmates or coworkers.

Sign in note: Use your full La Sierra email address (yourusername@lasierra.edu) and your La Sierra password when prompted.

1. Getting Started

Sign in to OneDrive

You can use OneDrive in three places:

  • Web: Go to https://lasierra-my.sharepoint.com/ (sign in to office.com and click the OneDrive icon) and sign in with your @lasierra.edu account.
  • Desktop app (Windows/Mac): OneDrive is built into Windows 10/11. On Mac, download from microsoft.com/microsoft-365/onedrive/download. Launch and sign in with your La Sierra account.
  • Mobile app: Search "Microsoft OneDrive" in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android), install, and sign in.

Video: What is OneDrive?

Tour the interface

When you open OneDrive on the web, the left sidebar has these main areas:

Section What it does
My files All your personal files and folders
Shared Files others have shared with you
Favorites Files you've starred for quick access
Recycle bin Recover recently deleted files

The top toolbar lets you create new files, upload, share, and sync.

Video: OneDrive Quick Start

2. Common Tasks

Upload files and folders

From the web:

  1. Open OneDrive in your browser.
  2. Click Upload at the top, then Files or Folder.
  3. Select what you want to upload and click Open.

From your computer (with OneDrive desktop app installed):

  1. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
  2. Drag files into the OneDrive – La Sierra University folder. They'll sync automatically.

Video: Upload files and folders in OneDrive

Create a new file

  1. In OneDrive on the web, click + New at the top.
  2. Choose Word document, Excel workbook, PowerPoint presentation, Folder, or other options.
  3. The new file opens in your browser — give it a name at the top and start editing. Changes save automatically.

Share a file or folder

  1. Hover over the file or folder and click the Share icon (or right-click and choose Share).
  2. Type the name or email of who you want to share with.
  3. Click the pencil icon to choose if they can Edit or View only.
  4. (Optional) Add a message, then click Send.

You can also click Copy link to share via chat, email, or any other channel.

Walkthrough: Share OneDrive files and folders

Sync OneDrive to your computer

Syncing makes your OneDrive files appear in File Explorer or Finder so you can work on them like any other file:

  1. Install the OneDrive app if you don't already have it.
  2. Launch OneDrive and sign in with your @lasierra.edu account.
  3. Choose which folders to sync, then click Next.
  4. Your files will appear in the OneDrive – La Sierra University folder on your computer.

Walkthrough: Sync files with OneDrive

Access files offline

Files in OneDrive are normally cloud-only (online) until you open them. To keep a file available even without internet:

  1. In File Explorer or Finder, right-click the file or folder.
  2. Select Always keep on this device.

A green check mark means the file is downloaded and available offline. A cloud icon means it's online-only.

Walkthrough: Save disk space with OneDrive Files On-Demand

Restore deleted files

  1. Open OneDrive on the web.
  2. Click Recycle bin in the left sidebar.
  3. Check the box next to the file you want to restore, then click Restore.

Files stay in the recycle bin for 30 days before being permanently deleted.

Restore a previous version of a file

  1. Right-click the file in OneDrive (web).
  2. Choose Version history.
  3. Pick the version you want, then click Restore.

Walkthrough: Restore a previous version of a file

Check storage and manage space

  1. On the web, click the gear icon in the top right, then OneDrive settings.
  2. Look at the Storage section to see how much you've used.
  3. To free up space, sort your files by size and delete or archive what you no longer need.

3. Using OneDrive in Microsoft Teams

You can access your OneDrive files without leaving Teams.

Open your OneDrive files inside Teams

  1. In the Teams desktop or web app, click the OneDrive icon in the left sidebar (it may also appear as Files).
  2. You'll see My files, Shared, Favorites, and Recycle bin — the same layout as the OneDrive web app.
  3. Click any file to open it directly inside Teams.

Share a OneDrive file in a chat or channel

  1. In a chat or channel, click the paperclip icon in the message box.
  2. Choose OneDrive (or Attach cloud files).
  3. Pick the file and choose whether recipients can Edit or View only.
  4. Send the message.

Co-edit OneDrive files from Teams

When you open a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file from OneDrive inside Teams, it opens in the Teams window. Anyone you've shared it with can edit at the same time — you'll see their cursors in real time.

Tutorials

A consolidated list of helpful Microsoft training videos and guides:

Need more help?

If you run into trouble or have questions, contact the La Sierra University A-Team:

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