Accessing and Using Microsoft OneDrive

When to Use?

This article is intended to help you use Microsoft OneDrive at GVSU! It is a transcript to a video which is included at the end of the article.

Procedure

Logging in to Microsoft 365 and Opening OneDrive

Go to login.microsoftonline.com.

Sign in with your GVSU email address (e.g., username@gvsu.edu).

Complete any required multi-factor authentication steps.

Once logged in, click the App Launcher (grid icon) in the top-left corner.

Select OneDrive.

 

Reviewing Shared Access

To see who currently has access to your files or folders:

Right-click the file or folder.

Choose Manage Access.

Review the list of users and permissions. You can remove or adjust access as needed.

 

Managing Access and Permissions

To further control who can view or edit your content:

In the Share window, click the gear icon (⚙️) to open Link Settings.

Choose one of the following link types:

  • Anyone – Anyone with the link can access.

  • People in GVSU – Restricted to users with GVSU accounts.

  • Specific People – Only individuals you invite can access. Use this option to share files outside of the GVSU Community

  • People with existing access – No new permissions are granted.

Optional settings include:

  • Expiration date for temporary sharing

  • View or edit access

  • Download restrictions

 

Sharing Files and Folders

Hover over the file or folder you’d like to share.

Click the three dots (⋯) menu and choose Share.

In the share window, you can:

  • Enter an email address to send a direct invitation.

  • Adjust permissions to allow editing or view-only access.

  • Click Copy Link to copy a shareable link to your clipboard.

  • Click Send to email the link directly.

 

Moving Files Between Folders

To organize your OneDrive:

Drag and drop files into folders, or

Right-click a file and select Move to, then choose the destination folder and click Move Here.

Your new folder will appear in your file list.

 

Uploading or Creating Files

Upload from Your Computer

Click Create or Upload > Upload Files, then select files from your computer. You can also drag and drop files directly into your browser window.

 

Create a New Microsoft Document

Click Create or Upload, then choose Word DocumentExcel Workbook, or another Office app.

A new document will open in the selected web app.

Rename your file (for example, Example.docx).

The document saves automatically to your OneDrive. If it doesn’t appear right away, refresh your browser.

You’ll now be on your OneDrive home page.

 

Viewing Your Files

Click My Files in the left-hand menu to view all files and folders currently stored in your OneDrive.

 

Creating a Folder

Click Create or Upload > Create Folder.

Enter a folder name.

(Optional) Choose a folder color for visual organization.

Click Create.

 

Additional Tips

Files saved in OneDrive are automatically backed up and versioned, so you can restore previous versions if needed.

For collaborative projects, store shared documents in Teams or SharePoint rather than individual OneDrive folders.

When finished, select Copy Link or Send.

 

 

The Referenced Video

 

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