OneDrive is built into Windows and available on the web — you likely already have it

If you use Windows 10 or Windows 11, OneDrive is already installed on your computer. You access it through File Explorer (the folder icon on your taskbar) — look for "OneDrive" in the left sidebar. On a Mac, you need to read the OneDrive app from the Microsoft website first. On any device with a web browser, you can go directly to onedrive.live.com and sign in with your Microsoft account.

The fastest way in is usually the method you're already using: if you're logged into Windows with a Microsoft account, OneDrive is ready to use without any extra steps. If you're not sure whether you have a Microsoft account, check whether you sign into Windows with an email address — that's your Microsoft account.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 and 11 users can open OneDrive through File Explorer without downloading anything.
  • Mac users need to read the OneDrive app from Microsoft's website before they can use it.
  • Any device with a web browser can access OneDrive at onedrive.live.com using a Microsoft account.
  • You need a Microsoft account to use OneDrive — if you sign into Windows with an email, you already have one.

Accessing OneDrive on Windows

Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or pressing the Windows key and E together. In the left sidebar, you'll see "OneDrive" listed above "This PC." Click it, and you're in your OneDrive folder. Everything you save here syncs to Microsoft's servers automatically.

If you don't see OneDrive in the sidebar, it may not be running. Look for the OneDrive icon in your system tray (the small icons on the far right of your taskbar, near the clock). If it's there, click it. If it's not there at all, search for "OneDrive" in the Windows search box and open the app.

Once OneDrive is open, you can create new folders, upload files by dragging them in, or right-click to create a new document. Anything you put here is saved to your account in the cloud.

Accessing OneDrive on Mac

Mac doesn't include OneDrive by default. Go to microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/read and click the read button. Open the installer file (it will be named something like OneDriveSetup.pkg) and follow the prompts to install it.

Once installed, OneDrive will appear in your Applications folder. Open it, and you'll be asked to sign in with your Microsoft account. After you sign in, OneDrive will appear in your Finder sidebar, and a OneDrive folder will be created in your home directory. Files you save there sync to your account.

Accessing OneDrive through a web browser

Open any web browser and go to onedrive.live.com. Sign in with your Microsoft account email and password. You'll see your files and folders in a layout similar to File Explorer on Windows.

The web version lets you view, upload, and organize files without installing anything. You can also create new documents, share files with others, and manage your storage. The web version works the same way on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, or any other device with a browser.

What to do if you don't have a Microsoft account

If you don't have a Microsoft account, you can create one for free at account.microsoft.com/account. You'll need an email address (you can use Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, or any other email provider) and a password. Once your account is created, you can sign into OneDrive using that email and password.

If you're on Windows and want to use your existing email address to sign into Windows itself, you can add it as a Microsoft account in Settings. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info, click "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead," and follow the prompts. This will let you use OneDrive without creating a separate account.

Signing in on phones and tablets

read the OneDrive app from the App Store (iPhone and iPad) or Google Play (Android). Open the app and sign in with your Microsoft account. Your files will appear on your phone or tablet, and you can view, upload, or organize them the same way you would on a computer.

The mobile app also lets you take photos and save them directly to OneDrive, set up automatic backup of your phone's photos, and access files offline by marking them as available offline.

Troubleshooting common access problems

If you can't sign in, make sure you're using the correct email address and password for your Microsoft account. If you've forgotten your password, go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account?" to reset it. You'll need to verify your identity using a backup email or phone number.

If OneDrive on your computer isn't syncing, check that it's running (look in the system tray on Windows or the menu bar on Mac). If it's running but files aren't syncing, restart the app or restart your computer. If you're still having trouble, sign out of OneDrive and sign back in: right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) and look for account settings or sign out options.

If you're using a work or school account, your organization may have set up OneDrive differently. Contact your IT department or help desk if you can't access it the way described here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for OneDrive?

OneDrive is free with a Microsoft account, though you get 5 GB of storage. If you need more space, Microsoft offers paid plans starting at 100 GB. You can check your storage use and upgrade at onedrive.live.com by clicking your profile picture and selecting "Settings."

Can I use OneDrive without a Microsoft account?

No, you need a Microsoft account to use OneDrive. You can create one for free at account.microsoft.com using any email address. It takes a few minutes and doesn't cost anything.

What if I'm using a work or school OneDrive?

Work and school accounts use a different sign-in process. You'll sign in with your work or school email address, and your organization controls your storage and settings. Contact your IT department if you're not sure how to access it or what your login is.

Can I access OneDrive offline?

On Windows and Mac, OneDrive syncs files to your computer, so you can open them even without internet. On the web or mobile app, you can mark specific files as "available offline" to view them without a connection. Changes you make offline will sync once you're back online.