OneDrive How-Tos

Backup Your Files

Use OneDrive to backup and sync your workstation and files.

Microsoft OneDrive can automatically backup your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to the cloud, protecting them and making them available on any device you use.

Locate the OneDrive icon near your clock at the bottom right of the screen:
Right-click on the blue cloud icon and select Settings:
Click on the Backup tab and select Manage Backup:
Ensure all three items are ticked and click Start Backup:
You will see the option to show sync progress. You can click the X at the top right to close this window
Click OK in the Microsoft OneDrive options window
You can see your OneDrive folder contains your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. Anything you save to these folders will automatically backup to your OneDrive.

Recover Files from OneDrive

You can recover files from OneDrive's Recycle Bin or restore your entire drive from a previous backup.

Restoring your entire drive from a backup will save over all of your drive's contents. You will lose any files you created or changed after the date and time of the backup you restore.

Go to https://portal.office.com (new window)
Login with your workplace credentials
Click the App Launcher
Click the OneDrive icon
Click on the Settings gear icon and select "Restore your OneDrive"
Choose the backup you want to restore. You can select a specific date. The list at the bottom of the screen shows all changes that have occurred. You can choose how far back to restore while seeing which files will be affected
When you're happy with your selection, click the Restore button. All of the files will be restored to their original location.

Sync your Workstation with OneDrive

You can sync your computer from OneDrive at any time. If your computer has been updated or reimaged, use this to quickly re-sync your desktop and files.

Share Files with OneDrive

You can share files directly from your computer without attaching copies of them to emails. You can use this to control what the recipient can do.

Prevent recipients from downloading the file, only allowing them to view it in their browser
Limit access to the document to only the person you've shared it with
Remove access to the file at any time

Make sure your workstation is connected to your OneDrive before proceeding.

Right-click any file and select the Share option
Select the who you will be sharing the file with
Choose one of link setting options:
Anyone with the link - For security reasons, this option is not available for college OneDrives
People at Mohawk College with the link - The link can be used by anyone at Mohawk, but not external users
People with existing access - When you know the recipient already has permission to see the file
Specific people - Send a link to people outside the college which can only be accessed by the individuals you specify
You can also uncheck Allow Editing if you do not want recipients to edit the file.
You can choose to Block Download and prevent recipients from downloading a copy of the file you're sharing.
Once you have set these options, enter the recipient’s email address and a message. Click Send when ready.
Alternatively, you can use the Copy Link button to paste it into an IM, chat, or your own email.