Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive is the designated cloud-based file storage service for Ithaca College. It allows you to upload, store, create, view, edit, and share files online. Files stored in OneDrive are protected in the cloud, ensuring accessibility even if your device is lost, stolen, or replaced during technology renewals.

As part of Microsoft 365, OneDrive provides 1 TB of storage at no additional cost. When using the OneDrive sync client, specific folders on your device automatically sync with your cloud storage.

Audience

This article is intended for IC students, faculty, staff, and affiliates.

Platform

Web, Microsoft Teams, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Getting Started

Access via Web

1. Go to https://ithaca.edu/apps in a web browser.
2. Select OneDrive.

Access in Microsoft Teams

1. Open the Microsoft Teams app or go to https://ithaca.edu/apps in a web browser and select Teams.
2. Select OneDrive from the left navigation.

Access on Windows

• From the Taskbar: Select the OneDrive icon in the notification area (system tray) at the bottom right of Windows. If you don't see it, click the upward arrow to show hidden icons.
• From the Start Menu: Click on the Start menu and scroll through the list of apps to open OneDrive or type "OneDrive" into the search bar.
• From File Explorer: Open File Explorer and look for OneDrive listed in the left navigation.

Access on macOS

• From the Dock: If OneDrive is added to the dock, select the OneDrive app to open it.
• From Spotlight: Press Command (⌘) + Space to open Spotlight and search for "OneDrive".
• From the menu bar: Selecting OneDrive in the menu bar will provide quick access to OneDrive files and settings.
• From the Applications Folder: Open the Applications folder from Finder, and double-click on the OneDrive app.

Access on Mobile Devices

1. Open the OneDrive app on iPhone, iPad, or Android

Access in Labs and Classrooms

1. Go to https://ithaca.edu/apps in a web browser.
2. Select OneDrive.

Installation

Desktop

Note: OneDrive comes pre-installed on College-owned Windows and Mac devices. If it's not available, visit https://www.onedrive.com/download to install the latest version.

Mobile

1. Download and install the Microsoft OneDrive app from the Apple App Store (apple.com) or Google Play Store (google.com).
2. Once installed, open the OneDrive app.
3. Sign in with your Ithaca College email address and password. 
4. Authenticate with Duo if prompted.
5. Follow the on-screen setup steps (such as choosing what to sync).
6. Once set up, you can start accessing, storing, and sharing your files.

Benefits

• Access files from any location on any device, with 1 TB of storage.
• Benefit from an enhanced Technology Renewal process.
• Easily recover deleted files or folders (microsoft.com).
• Retrieve earlier versions of a file when needed (microsoft.com).
• Create shortcuts to shared folders (such as Teams) for easier collaboration (microsoft.com).

Features

• OneDrive - Ithaca College Folder: Access your OneDrive files through a dedicated "OneDrive - Ithaca College" folder in Windows File Explorer or macOS Finder.
• Folder Backup: Securely backup key folders on your device automatically with PC Folder Backup and macOS Folder Backup. Learn more: Back up your folders with OneDrive (microsoft.com)
  • Windows: Desktop, Documents, and Pictures are automatically backed up
  • macOS: Desktop and Documents are automatically backed up
  • Note: Local folders such as Downloads, Music, and Videos are not automatically backed up to OneDrive
• Files On-Demand: Save local storage space. Learn more: Save disk space with OneDrive Files On-Demand for Windows (microsoft.com).
• File Sharing: OneDrive files and folders are private by default and can be shared when needed. See who has access and remove sharing at any time. Learn more: Share OneDrive files and folders (microsoft.com).
• Automatic Login (Windows): Upon signing into your Windows device, you will automatically be logged in to OneDrive.
• macOS Dock Icon: A OneDrive icon will automatically appear in the dock on macOS and can be used to quickly access your OneDrive files.

Web Navigation Features

• Unified Interface: View documents, PDFs, Loop components, Lists, meeting recordings, videos, and more in one place.
• Home (For You): Get personalized, AI-driven file recommendations and quick access to your recent files.
• My Files: Browse and manage your files and folders in one organized view, with options to sort, filter, and customize folders with colors.
• Shared: Find files you've shared and those shared with you, from inside or outside the organization.
• Favorites: Star important files for quick access.
• Recycle Bin: Restore deleted files or permanently remove them.
• People: Find files based on your collaborations. Pin people and preview recent activity.
• Meetings: Access files from past and upcoming meetings, including chats, notes, Loop components, and shared content.
• Media: Quickly view photos and videos stored in your OneDrive.
• Quick Access: Easily navigate to Teams or SharePoint sites.
• Storage: Review storage usage and free up space by identifying large files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I sync files between macOS and Windows devices?

A: Yes, OneDrive syncs your files across devices and operating systems. Keep the following in mind:

• File compatibility: Most file types work across platforms, but some apps use formats that may not open on both macOS and Windows.
• File naming: Avoid unsupported characters (such as \ / : * ? " < > |) to prevent sync issues.
• System differences: macOS and Windows handle file properties differently, which may occasionally affect file behavior or permissions.

Q: What if I do not want certain files backed up?

A: OneDrive automatically backs up key folders:

• Windows: Desktop, Documents, and Pictures
• macOS: Desktop and Documents

To exclude files from backup, move them to a different local folder that is not synced with OneDrive such as C:\Users\username\personal on Windows or /Users/username/personal on macOS.

Troubleshootingi

Occasionally, OneDrive may experience syncing issues. The most common problems include:

• Duplicate File Names: Sometimes, OneDrive creates a duplicate of a file, appending your computer's name to the filename. This usually signals a need to refresh your credentials. For more information, refer to Duplicate files in OneDrive (microsoft.com).
• Invalid Characters: OneDrive cannot sync files or folders named with these characters: " * : < > ? / \ |. If it encounters such characters, OneDrive tries to resolve the issue automatically. If it can't, you'll need to rename the file or folder manually. For macOS users, IT has provided a tool in the Self Service application to automate renaming:
  1. Open the Self Service application on macOS.
  2.  Select OneDrive Fix Invalid Characters and select Run.
• Processing Changes: If OneDrive is continuously "Processing changes," it might be due to an open online file, a backlog of files waiting to be synced, or a large file in the process of syncing. For further details visit OneDrive is stuck on Processing changes (microsoft.com).

For additional guidance, refer to Troubleshoot issues with OneDrive (microsoft.com).

Additional Resources

• OneDrive help & learning (microsoft.com)
• Back up your folders with OneDrive (microsoft.com)