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Microsoft’s OneDrive is one of the best cloud storage solutions, making it easy to store and access your documents, photos, videos, and more from anywhere.
Storing files on OneDrive rather than just on your local hard drive gives you the flexibility to access those files from any internet-connected device—phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop—and this is how it works.
How to Access OneDrive Files on Another PC
However, there’s a good chance you already have a Microsoft account and the OneDrive app installed on your PC, especially if you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11. If that is the case, skip the sign-in and installation steps and jump tolinking your Microsoft account with OneDrivebefore syncing your files to the cloud.
After syncing files to OneDrive on one computer, you’re able to access those files from any other computer. Here are a few ways to access your OneDrive files on another PC:
Sign In to OneDrive Using a Web Browser
The fastest way to access OneDrive files on another PC is to sign in to OneDrive using a web browser. You can do this on your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
Access OneDrive Files Using the OneDrive App on Windows
A more efficient way to access your OneDrive files on another PC is to use the OneDrive desktop app. The OneDrive app for Windows provides a native experience for browsing and managing your OneDrive files. However, Microsoft dropped support for the official Microsoft Store OneDrive app (pushing people toward the web app). So, while you can still use the OneDrive app, the experience isn’t as seamless as it once was, and you may find the web app is the better option.
To set up access to your OneDrive files locally on a second computer:
Once signed in to your Microsoft account using the OneDrive app, all your files will be available.
Access OneDrive Files Using the OneDrive App on macOS
To set up and access your files using the OneDrive app on macOS, visit theOneDrive pageon the App Store and clickDownloadto install the app.
After installing:
ClickNextthrough the information screens about using OneDrive. On the final screen, click to open to access synced folders and files. If it’s your first time using OneDrive, you’ll see some default folders and files to get started.
If you use a Linux distribution like Ubuntu, you can access your OneDrive files through theonedrive.live.comweb interface. Alternatively, you can follow this guide toinstall and use a OneDrive client application for Linux, which supports Ubuntu.
How to Access OneDrive Files on Android or iOS
OneDrive has official apps for Android and iOS that make it easy to access files on the go, and it’s the same process for both versions.
How to Access OneDrive Files on Android Devices
How to Access OneDrive Files on iOS/iPadOS
The screenshots above show the process on Android. The steps on iOS are very similar, though menu placements may vary slightly. While iOS screenshots are not included, users should be able to follow along on an iPhone by referencing the Android screenshots.
OneDrive makes accessing important files and documents incredibly convenient, regardless of your device. With easy syncing to your main computer, web access from any browser, and mobile apps for on-the-go productivity, you can rely on OneDrive for seamless file availability. No more emailing files to yourself or carrying USB drives!
