OneDrive is a cloud service operated by Microsoft that provides users with a way to connect with all their files. This file hosting service was originally launched in 2007 and was originally called SkyDrive. In 2014, it officially became known as Microsoft OneDrive. In the years since, this application has provided users with a way to store, protect, and share files. OneDrive offers 5GB of storage space for free, and users can purchase more storage as needed. Those who elect to buy a Microsoft Office 365 subscription, which includes a OneDrive storage plan, can select between 100GB, 1TB, and 6TB of storage to best meet their professional needs.

In addition, the OneDrive client app incorporates features such as cloud backup and file synchronization. When working with OneDrive, users can access their files from anywhere using their devices. One of the main benefits of working with OneDrive is that Microsoft Office applications integrate directly with this service.

Professional Uses of Microsoft OneDrive

Because Microsoft OneDrive enables users from all fields to store and share files, videos, and pictures, its uses transcend one industry or profession. OneDrive is a powerful tool for any line of work in which clear writing, collaboration, project management, or reporting are valued. 

In addition, because other Microsoft apps can integrate with OneDrive, professionals who use Word and PowerPoint regularly may also reap the benefits of working with this file hosting platform. For this reason, careers such as Customer Service Representative, Freelance Writer, Transcriber, Account Coordinator, Data Entry Clerk, Administrative Assistant, and Bookkeeper would benefit from using OneDrive. This application also has a wide range of uses in academics for teachers, administrators, and students who wish to have access to Microsoft files and videos that contain educational material.

OneDrive also has a range of uses for those working in the business sector. Because employees can save files and documents to OneDrive, then access them from anywhere, those working remotely or traveling for their job will find this application helpful. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as many organizations transitioned to virtual work environments, OneDrive helped team members stay connected in real-time and focused on completing projects.

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Because of its wide range of applications across industries, Microsoft OneDrive is used by 85% of Fortune 500 companies, such as Chevron, Goodyear, and Lowe’s, among others.

Pros & Cons of Using Microsoft OneDrive

Those who use Microsoft OneDrive find many benefits, as well as a few drawbacks, to working with this application:

Pros

  • OneDrive’s interface is clear and easy to use.
  • When working with the web version of OneDrive, it’s possible to link social networks in order to share files with colleagues.
  • Because it is part of the Microsoft family, OneDrive integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft applications, such as Excel or Word. When a user launches Word, for example, they will see a list of recent documents, including ones that were saved to OneDrive.
  • All sorts of files can be saved on OneDrive, such as videos, documents, and pictures. They are saved by organization type, which makes finding them easy. In addition, these files can be accessed from any Windows PC or mobile device.
  • In addition to the web version of OneDrive, users can also use the desktop version, which means that they can work both online and offline as needed.
  • Shared files from SharePoint or Teams, up to 100GB, can be added to OneDrive.
  • Files that were accidentally deleted can be recovered in OneDrive.
  • OneDrive for business quickly syncs with business computers.
  • The mobile app for OneDrive for Business can be downloaded in just minutes for free onto any user’s Android device or iPhone. The app can then be used to upload, edit, and share files to the cloud.
  • OneDrive for Business works on both Windows and Mac operating systems.
  • OneDrive is customizable, which makes it a versatile tool for those working on various projects or in different departments.

Cons

  • Privacy concerns are one of the main drawbacks noted by OneDrive users. Because Microsoft has the right to scan any files that are saved in OneDrive to flag “objectionable content,” such as files that may contain explicit images or copyrighted content, file security is not guaranteed when working with OneDrive.
  • Although OneDrive is an effective tool for individual use, some find it to be limiting when used for sharing files with colleagues or clients. This in turn can hinder its uses as a tool for managing certain kinds of projects.
  • Not all folders can be synced using OneDrive.
  • OneDrive for Business doesn’t support integration with third-party apps. 
  • Compared to other cloud services, OneDrive doesn’t provide as much free storage, which provides competitors with an inherent advantage.
  • Although Microsoft is able to protect OneDrive data from certain threats, such as software or hardware failure, as well as power outages, it cannot safeguard it from human error, program errors, ransomware, or malware.
  • While it’s easy to share links to files from the web when using OneDrive, the native experience is less suited for link-sharing.
  • Certain files won’t upload to OneDrive because of an unsupported character in the file name.
  • OneDrive for Business cannot support files larger than 15GB. Those wishing to work with larger files would need to compress them.

Although Microsoft OneDrive isn’t designed for all users, those working in a business or academic setting who collaborate on the go or wish to store and share documents from other Microsoft apps can do so easily with the help of this versatile tool. 

Start Learning Microsoft Office with Hands-On Classes

Proficiency in Microsoft Office can open professional doors across industries, as well as lead to upward career mobility. A great way to begin learning about Microsoft Office is to sign up for one of Noble Desktop’s Microsoft Office courses. These small group classes are offered in-person in Manhattan, as well as in the live online format. For students and professionals on the go, there are also in-person and live online Microsoft Office courses available through Noble Desktop or one of its affiliate schools. A variety of course options are offered, ranging in duration from three hours to three days and costing between $219 and $1,785. You can also browse in-person Microsoft Office classes in a city near you.

Because Microsoft OneDrive is compatible with both PowerPoint and Word, studying these two Microsoft applications will lead to a better understanding of OneDrive as well. In addition to general Office classes, Noble Desktop also offers in-person and remote Microsoft Word classes. And for students who would like to learn more about how to create stunning presentations, then Noble Desktop’s live online and in-person PowerPoint courses are for you. These small group classes prepare students at all levels to work with this industry-standard presentation software.