OneDrive FAQ

OneDrive logo

OneDrive Made Easy: A Guide for Faculty and Staff

ELAC is switching to OneDrive, a Microsoft tool that stores your files online so you can access them from anywhere, work, home, or on the go. It’s like a digital filing cabinet, safer and more flexible than the old “Q:” drive. This quick guide makes OneDrive simple with easy-to-follow steps. However, if you have never used OneDrive and need an introduction or help from the very beginning, please refer to the first two video links at the end of this guide, under additional resources. Note: If you are concerned with accessing your files during the learning process you may want to back them up on your own external storage or cloud.

What is OneDrive?

OneDrive is cloud storage that:

  • Saves files online for access on your computer, phone, or tablet.
  • Automatically backs up files to keep them safe.
  • Lets you share files securely with colleagues or students.
  • Works anywhere with an internet connection, unlike the “Q:” drive.

Why Use OneDrive?

OneDrive makes work easier by:

  • Backing up files automatically, so they’re safe if your device fails.
  • Letting you access files from any device with your college login.
  • Saving space by storing files online.
  • Simplifying secure file sharing.

Note: OneDrive has a storage limit. Check your limit in OneDrive settings. For private files, store them on your computer, but back them up manually (e.g., to a USB drive).

Sync with OneDrive

Where Are My Files?

How to Start Using OneDrive
 

  1. Open OneDrive

    Option A: Find the OneDrive Icon in the System Tray:
    Look in the bottom right corner (near the clock) for a blue cloud icon. Click the upward arrow if it’s hidden.
    OneDrive shown in system tray

    OR
    click on the system tray and then click on the OneDrive icon

    If you see the cloud, click it to open your OneDrive folder.
    OneDrive icon as gray cloud

    Gray Cloud icon with a line through it? OneDrive setup is not completed, or you are not logged in.
    No cloud? Contact campus IT to install OneDrive (@email).

    Option B: Open OneDrive in File Explorer:
    Click the yellow folder icon on your taskbar to open File Explorer.
    OneDrive shown in Windows 11 Taskbar

    On the left, find the blue cloud labeled “[Your Name] - Los Angeles Community College District.” Click it to see your OneDrive files (e.g., Documents).
  2. Sign In (If Asked):
    Use your college email (e.g., username@laccd.edu) and password. Choose “Work or School” account if prompted.
Where are my files?

Where Are My Files?

  Files might be in:

  • OneDrive: Synced online, backed up, and accessible anywhere. Check the OneDrive folder in File Explorer. 
  • Your Computer: Files not synced are only on your computer, under “This PC” > “C:” > “Users” > [Your Name].

     To Check Synced Folders:
  • Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon (bottom right).
  • Select “Settings” > “Account” to see which folders (e.g., Documents) are syncing to OneDrive.
  • Tip: Save new files to OneDrive folders (e.g., OneDrive – Documents) for backup and access everywhere.

    How to Save Files to OneDrive
  1. Open File Explorer and click the OneDrive folder (blue cloud icon).
  2. Choose or create a folder (e.g., Documents or a project folder).
  3. Save your work there:
    In Word or Excel, go to “File” > “Save As” > select your OneDrive folder.
  4. Files sync to OneDrive and are available on other devices.
OneDrive files accessible from many devices

How to Keep Files on Your Computer Only
   
To stop OneDrive syncing:

  1. Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon (bottom right).
  2.  Go to “Settings” > “Account” > “Choose folders.”
  3. Uncheck folders (e.g., Documents) you want to keep on your computer only.
  4. Files stay on your computer and won’t sync to OneDrive. Back them up manually (e.g., to a USB drive).

    To Save Files Locally:
  • In File Explorer, go to “This PC” > “C:” > “Users” > [Your Name]. 
  • Save files in local folders like Documents or Desktop.

     To Delete Files from OneDrive but Keep Locally:
  1. In File Explorer, drag the file from OneDrive to a local folder (e.g., “This PC” > “Documents”).
  2. Delete the file from OneDrive. It stays in the local folder.

    For more info, see: How Do I Store Files on My Computer and Not OneDrive? – Video 15:58
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_JmtT_4l3c

Additional Resources

Restore Deleted Files

How to Recover Deleted Files

Deleted OneDrive files go to the OneDrive Recycle Bin for 30 days:

  1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon (bottom right) to open the OneDrive panel.
  2. Select “Recycle Bin” to open the OneDrive website in your browser.
  3. Find the file, click the circle next to it, and select “Restore.”
  4. The file returns to its original OneDrive folder (e.g., Documents).
  5. Check File Explorer > OneDrive to confirm. Wait a few minutes if it’s not there, or check your internet.

For more info see: Restore deleted files or folders in OneDrive https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/restore-deleted-files-or-folders-in-onedrive-949ada80-0026-4db3-a953-c99083e6a84f

Note: If the file wasn’t in OneDrive, check your computer’s Recycle Bin (desktop icon).

Find lost or missing files in OneDrive https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/find-lost-or-missing-files-in-onedrive-0d929e0d-8682-4295-982b-4bd75a3daa01

 

OneDrive Icons Explained

Understanding OneDrive Icons
 

These are descriptions of icons that are next to files that are on OneDrive:

  • Gray Cloud icon: you’re not signed in, or OneDrive setup hasn’t completed.
    OneDrive Gray Cloud Icon
  • Blue Cloud: File is online only; needs internet to open.
    OneDrive Blue Cloud Icon
  • Green Circle Outline with Green Check: An Online-Only file downloads to your device.
Green Tick (Check Mark) in White Circle with Outer Green Ring
  • Solid Green Circle with White Checkmark: File is always on your computer and available offline.
Solid Green Circle with White Check Mark Icon
  • Red Circle with White X (Often referred to as "Red X"): Sync issue; check internet or contact IT.
    OneDrive Red Circle with White X Icon
  • Rotating Arrows: File is syncing to OneDrive.
    OneDrive circular arrows over cloud icon
  • Person Icon: File is shared with others.
    People (or person) icon next to file or folder
  • Yellow Exclamation Mark: OneDrive needs attention (e.g., sign in again).
    Yellow Warning Sign on OneDrive Icon
  • Pause on OneDrive icon: Your files are not currently syncing.
    Pause on OneDrive Icon

For more about OneDrive Icons, see: What do the OneDrive icons mean? Applies To: Windows, Mac, Android, & Web https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/what-do-the-onedrive-icons-mean-11143026-8000-44f8-aaa9-67c985aa49b3

If Icons Disappear:

  • Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon, select “Close OneDrive,” then reopen OneDrive from the Start menu (search “OneDrive”).
If OneDrive Isn't Working

If OneDrive Isn’t Working

Try these:

  1. Check the Cloud Icon: If missing, open OneDrive from the Start menu.
  2. Ensure OneDrive is Running: Look for the cloud icon in the taskbar. If it’s not there, search “OneDrive” in the Start menu to open it.
  3. Restart OneDrive: Right-click the cloud icon, select “Close OneDrive,” then reopen.
  4. Verify Internet: OneDrive needs a connection to sync.
  5. Sign In Again: Use your college email and password, selecting “Work or School” account.
  6. Restart Computer: Fixes most issues.
  7. Troubleshoot issues with OneDrive
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/troubleshoot-issues-with-onedrive-3db87243-ed3b-46f5-ace6-518db68429b1
  8. Contact IT: For ongoing problems, reach out to campus IT @email

 

OneDrive for Mobile Devices

OneDrive for Mobile Devices - Get the App
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/mobile

Get the OneDrive mobile app QR code
OneDrive Mobile Directions - part 1
OneDrive Mobile Directions - part 2
OneDrive Mobile Directions - part 3

 

Quick Tips

  • Check Storage: If OneDrive is full, delete unneeded files or stop syncing large folders.
  • Secure Sharing: Share files via OneDrive instead of emailing sensitive documents.

Manual Backups: Save critical files to a USB or external drive.

 

OneDrive Basics
Personally Identifiable Information

Prohibited Files & Information
 
Is anything prohibited on OneDrive? YES!!!

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is not allowed in any form at any time or for any reason. 

What is PII?

PII is information that can be used to identify or contact a person uniquely and reliably or can be traced back to a specific individual. PII is any of the following information: 
• Person's name
• Mother's maiden name
• Driver's license number
• Bank account information
• Credit card information
• Relatives' names
• Postal address
• E-mail address
• Home or cellular telephone number
• Personal characteristics
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Date or place of birth
• Other information that would make the individual's personal identity easily traceable

Do Not Collect or Maintain PII

Do not collect or maintain PII unless you are authorized to do so as part of your official duties. Even then, you should only collect and retain PII that is relevant and necessary for ELAC and/or LACCD functions or responsibilities.

Note: If you are required to handle PII contact your supervisor for further direction.

Additional Resources

Additional Videos & References
 
Microsoft OneDrive Tutorial: All You Need to Know – Video 10:33 min
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgw01w0iYjA


How OneDrive Works: the Very Basics – Video 11:48 min
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc4JvqGEM-M


Create a document from OneDrive for work or school 
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-document-from-onedrive-for-work-or-school-4c54ddbf-e112-4165-b855-049e7dfec340


Should I save files to OneDrive or SharePoint?
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/should-i-save-files-to-onedrive-or-sharepoint-d18d21a0-1f9f-4f6c-ac45-d52afa0a4a2e

 
Find your SharePoint and Teams files in OneDrive for work or school
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/find-your-sharepoint-and-teams-files-in-onedrive-for-work-or-school-9275de7b-0b0b-40ee-8fa2-b17d1b0727d0


Sort, rename, or move photos and files in OneDrive
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/sort-rename-or-move-photos-and-files-in-onedrive-01628e6d-9d2c-4298-a1f0-933e5b20a8bf

 
Delete files or folders in OneDrive
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/delete-files-or-folders-in-onedrive-21fe345a-e488-4fa7-932b-f053c1bebe8a

 
How Do I Delete Files from OneDrive, but Not My Computer? – Video 7:51 min 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVUDnvJHb4s

 
OneDrive is Not Backup – Video 8:54 min 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLzX1rfgzVI


How Do I Backup Files in OneDrive? (Yes, you should.) – Video 13:47 min 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLz0DWcA0jE


File Limitations in OneDrive 
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/restrictions-and-limitations-in-onedrive-and-sharepoint-64883a5d-228e-48f5-b3d2-eb39e07630fa#individualfilesize

 
Sync files with OneDrive in Windows 
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/sync-files-with-onedrive-in-windows-615391c4-2bd3-4aae-a42a-858262e42a49

 
OneDrive Spring 2025 Updates 
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/onedriveblog/onedrive-personalized-intelligence-seamless-collaboration-always-on/4411621

 
Organize and Find Photos in OneDrive 
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/organize-and-find-photos-in-onedrive-6a9b0298-f504-4992-af0e-45e2f270afc9

 
This Simple File Management System Changed My Life! – Video 9:25 min 
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM-MPS57qKA


OneDrive Help & Learning
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/onedrive