OneDrive

There is an important decision for any person setting up a new Windows computer. That’s the decision as to whether you allow Microsoft to place you in the world of OneDrive and Microsoft 365. Many of the clients we work with are still hesitant to trust cloud-based services like OneDrive and the cost of Microsoft 365. Let’s dive into the decision-making process of whether to use Microsoft OneDrive or to keep everything on your computer or local backup sources.

Narrative: Deciding Between Microsoft OneDrive and Local Backup

Scenario:

Imagine you’re setting up your new Windows computer and you are forced to decide if you  want to use Microsoft OneDrive for cloud storage or to keep everything on your computer and local backup sources.

Considerations:

1. Accessibility:

   • OneDrive: Allows you to access your files from anywhere, on any device, as long as you have an internet connection1. This is particularly useful if you travel frequently or work from multiple locations. This is true of other cloud-based storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, iCloud, etc.

   • Local Backup: Your files are stored on physical devices like external hard drives or USB drives. You can only access them when you have the device with you.

2. Security:

   • OneDrive: Offers advanced security features, including encryption and multi-factor authentication1. However, it is still susceptible to online threats.

   • Local Backup: Provides control over your data and is not dependent on internet security. However, it is vulnerable to physical damage, theft, or loss.

3. Cost:

   • OneDrive: Requires a subscription fee for additional storage beyond the free limit1.

   • Local Backup: Involves a one-time cost for purchasing storage devices. However, expanding storage capacity may require additional purchases.

4. Backup and Recovery:

   • OneDrive: Automatically syncs and backs up your files, ensuring you always have the latest version1. Recovery is quick and easy in case of data loss.

   • Local Backup: Requires manual backup processes. Recovery can be faster for large amounts of data since it doesn’t rely on internet speed.

Decision:

After considering the pros and cons, you decide to use a combination of both OneDrive and local backup. This way, you can enjoy the accessibility and automatic backup features of OneDrive while having the security and control of local backups.

Instructions: How to Use or Not Use Microsoft OneDrive Using Windows 11

To Allow OneDrive:

1. Set Up OneDrive:

   • Open OneDrive by searching for it in the Start menu.

   • Sign in with your Microsoft account.

   • Follow the setup instructions to choose the folders you want to sync.

2. Enable Sync:

   • Click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray.

   • Go to Settings > Account > Choose folders.

   • Select the folders you want to sync and click OK.

To Disallow OneDrive:

1. Pause Sync:

   • Click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray.

   • Select Help & Settings > Pause syncing.

2. Unlink OneDrive:

   • Click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray.

   • Go to Settings > Account > Unlink this PC.

3. Disable OneDrive on Startup:

   • Open Settings > Apps > Startup.

   • Find Microsoft OneDrive and turn off the toggle.

4. Uninstall OneDrive (Optional):

   • Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.

   • Find Microsoft OneDrive, click on it, and select Uninstall.