Your files, safe and available with OneDrive.
OneDrive keeps each person’s work files in the cloud and in sync across their devices. We set it up so documents are protected, shared safely and easy to recover.
What Microsoft OneDrive covers
What is Microsoft OneDrive?
OneDrive for Business is each employee’s personal storage in Microsoft 365. Files are saved in the cloud and sync to the computer, so work is available on any device and is not lost if a laptop fails.
Known Folder Move redirects Desktop, Documents and Pictures to OneDrive automatically. Files On-Demand shows all files without taking up disk space, downloading them only when needed.
OneDrive keeps previous versions and a recycle bin for deleted files, and it can restore a whole account to an earlier point in time after a ransomware attack, within the recovery window.
OneDrive is where an individual’s files live. SharePoint is for team files, and OneDrive is for the work that belongs to one person: drafts, personal working files and documents shared occasionally.
Because it synchronizes, a file can be edited offline and updated when the device reconnects. If the laptop is lost or fails, the files are safe in the cloud.
What Microsoft OneDrive can do.
1 TB of storage per user
Generous personal storage included with business plans.
Known Folder Move
Automatically move Desktop, Documents and Pictures to OneDrive, so users do not have to change habits.
Files On-Demand
See every file in File Explorer without storing it all on the laptop, downloading when needed.
Version history
Return to an earlier version of any file after a mistake.
Recycle bin
Recover deleted files for up to 93 days.
Restore your OneDrive
Roll a whole OneDrive back to a point in the last 30 days, useful after ransomware or mass deletion.
Secure sharing
Share with specific people, set expiry dates and passwords and block downloads when needed.
Personal Vault
Extra protected area for the most sensitive files, with additional identity checks.
How Microsoft OneDrive works.
Sign in
The user signs in on their PC, Mac or phone and OneDrive syncs.
Redirect
Desktop and Documents folders are moved to OneDrive automatically.
Share
Links share files with colleagues or approved outside people, with controls.
Recover
Deleted files and earlier versions can be restored, and whole libraries rolled back.
What happens behind the scenes.
The OneDrive sync client runs on the computer and keeps a local view of cloud files. When you edit a file, changes upload in the background. Others who have access see the update, and Office apps support co-authoring in real time.
Administrators control sync behaviour with policies: whether to block personal OneDrive accounts, which folders are redirected, how large files are handled and who can share externally. These settings matter as much as the technology.
How it benefits your business.
OneDrive means a failed laptop is an inconvenience, not a disaster. People log in on another device and carry on, with files exactly where they left them.
It also reduces the risk of company data being scattered across USB sticks, personal Dropbox accounts and email attachments. With the right controls, files stay in a managed place that the business can protect and audit.
For offboarding, the manager can be given access to a leaver’s OneDrive for a defined period, so important documents are not lost with the account.
The benefits at a glance.
Files survive a lost laptop
Work is in the cloud, not just on the device.
Work from anywhere
Same files on PC, Mac, browser and phone.
Recover from mistakes
Version history and a recycle bin of up to 93 days.
Safer sharing
Expiring links, passwords and permission controls.
Less disk space needed
Files On-Demand keeps laptops lean.
Ransomware recovery
Restore files to a point before an attack.
Licensing: 1 TB per user in Business Basic, Standard and Premium. Included in the E plans. Plans and features change, so we confirm current licensing with you before you buy.
What this looks like day to day.
A sales rep’s laptop is stolen from a car. Because Known Folder Move was enabled, her Desktop and Documents were already in OneDrive. IT wipes the stolen device, issues a new one, and by lunchtime she is working with every file intact.
This is an illustrative example of how the feature is used, not a description of a specific client.
Mistakes we see, and how we avoid them.
Not redirecting folders
If Desktop and Documents stay local, they are not protected. Enable Known Folder Move.
Allowing personal accounts
Staff syncing company files to personal OneDrive escape control. Block personal sync.
Treating it as backup
Sync can replicate deletions and corruption. Add independent backup.
No leaver process
Retention after account deletion defaults to a limited period. Set a process to transfer files.
Microsoft OneDrive with Infinity.
OneDrive rollout
Deployment to every device with Known Folder Move.
Learn moreMigration from file shares
Move personal drives and home folders to OneDrive.
Learn moreSharing controls
Policies on external sharing and link types.
Learn moreOffboarding process
Transfer files from leavers to managers.
Learn moreIndependent backup
Third party backup for deleted or ransomware encrypted files.
Learn moreUser support
Help with sync issues and restores.
Learn moreHow much space does each user get?
Business plans include 1 TB per user. Larger amounts are available on request in some plans.
What happens to files when someone leaves?
The account’s OneDrive can be kept for a period and transferred to a manager. We set a clear process.
Is OneDrive a backup?
It is sync and storage with recovery features. It is not a full backup, so we recommend adding independent backup.
Can OneDrive sync with Macs?
Yes. OneDrive works on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
Can we stop staff storing files locally?
Yes. Known Folder Move and policies encourage or enforce saving to OneDrive.
Talk to us about Microsoft OneDrive.
Book a free consultation. We will look at your current setup and show you where it fits.
Tell us about your IT.
We answer almost every inquiry within one business day.