Article Summary

This article provides an overview of the current OneDrive interface and its key features. You'll learn how to navigate OneDrive, locate files, access shared content, use the toolbar and search for content efficiently. 

Step 1: Navigate the OneDrive Interface

The navigation pane on the left side of OneDrive provides quick access to your content and collaboration views.

Home

View recommended, recent, and frequently accessed files.

Home helps you quickly return to documents you are actively working on.

My Files

Access all files and folders stored in your personal OneDrive.

Use this view to organize folders, upload files, and manage your personal work documents.

Shared

Access files and folders:

• Shared with you
• Shared by you

This is often the quickest way to find content from colleagues.

Favorites

Access files you have marked as important.

Favorite files are available from multiple Microsoft 365 applications.

Recycle Bin

Recover files and folders that have been deleted.

Deleted items remain available for a limited retention period before permanent removal.

People

Find files based on the people you collaborate with.

This view is useful when you remember who shared a document rather than the file name.

Media

Browse images stored in OneDrive.

Availability may vary depending on your account type and tenant configuration.

Shared Libraries and Shortcuts

Access SharePoint document libraries and Microsoft Teams files that you follow or have added as shortcuts to OneDrive. These files remain stored in SharePoint while being accessible through OneDrive.

Step 3: Filter Content

OneDrive Home allows you to quickly filter files by type.

1. Locate the filter buttons below the recommended files section.
2. Select a filter such as:
   • Word
   • Excel
   • PowerPoint
   • PDF
   • More
3. OneDrive updates the file list to display matching content.

Filters help you quickly locate specific file types without performing a search.

Step 4: Access File Actions

OneDrive provides quick actions for managing files.

To access file actions:

1. Select a file.
2. Use the command bar or the More Actions (...) menu.

Available actions may include:

Open

Open the file in the appropriate Microsoft 365 application.

Open Location

Navigate to the file's storage location.

Share

Share the file with other users.

Copy Link

Create a link to the file for sharing.

Favorite

Mark the file as a favorite for quick access later.

Add Shortcut

Add a shortcut to the file or library in your OneDrive.

Download

Download a copy of the file to your device.

Step 5: Search for Files and Folders

The search bar allows you to quickly find content stored in OneDrive and connected locations.

1. Click the Search box.
2. Enter:
   • File names
   • Folder names
   • Keywords
   • Content-related terms
3. Select the desired file from the results.

Search is often the fastest way to locate content in large OneDrive environments. 

Video

How to Use Microsoft OneDrive: Complete Tutorial for Beginners