Microsoft 365 - Getting Started with OneDrive for Business
Microsoft OneDrive for Business, or OneDrive for Business, is a file-hosting service that is operated by Microsoft as part of its suite of online services. It allows users to store files as well as other personal data in the cloud. Files can be synced to a PC and accessed from a web browser or a mobile device, as well as shared publicly or with specific people.
Note: UW-Madison's Microsoft 365 administrators cannot assist users in moving any data out of OneDrive for Business.
OneDrive for Business and Microsoft 365
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Can I use my personal Microsoft account's OneDrive for Business with UW-Madison's implementation of OneDrive for Business?
No. However, you can merge the files by using the OneDrive for Business sync client (Windows only). If you want to move the files from your personal OneDrive for Business to UW-Madison's implementation of OneDrive for Business, you can simply copy and paste.
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How is my personal Microsoft account's OneDrive for Business different than my UW-Madison's Microsoft 365 OneDrive for Business?
Your personal Microsoft or Outlook.com account comes with access to OneDrive for Business - this should be used to save documents, photos, and other files in the cloud, share them with friends, and even collaborate on content that is not related to university related services. You’re free to decide how you want to use it.
Your UW-Madison Office 365 account also comes with OneDrive for Business and is intended to be used for UW-Madison business related purposes.
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How do I see how much storage I have available?
- Sign into your UW-Madison OneDrive account.
- Your storage capacity and usage are located at the bottom left corner of your OneDrive window.
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Are there file (folder) and sync size limits for OneDrive for Business?
Yes, please see following Microsoft article for these limits
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Who can see the files that I store in OneDrive for Business?
All files that you store in OneDrive for Business are private unless you decide to share them.
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Who can I share files in OneDrive for Business with?
You can share a file within anyone by providing direct access or via a specific url. Learn more.
Desktop and web
- Use OneDrive for Business with Office
- Configure your computer to sync files (Windows)
- Configure your computer to sync files (macOS)
- Use OneDrive for Business with Office Online
Mobile devices
FAQs
- OneDrive for Business FAQ (managing, sharing, and syncing files)
- OneDrive for Business for Mac FAQ
Internal Notes
- What type of data are you storing, personal or university related data?
- Is the data being shared with other users?
- How long will the data need to be stored?
HD Staff: If customer is requesting access to or retrieving data from another account, please redirect case to Cybersecurity team.
HD/PCS Staff: If a users is going through a license change where they are moving to ANYTHING other than Paid Faculty/Staff or Enrolled student. (this means Alumni, Retiree, POI, Emeritus) even if they are keeping OneDrive as a license, their OneDrive Quota will be reduced to 100gb. This is a Microsoft Controlled quota, we have no ability to raise that number. People that are over quota when they move to the reduced size will not lose access to their documents they will just be read only until they get under the 100gb quota. This change happened back in Feb 2024 but is being noticed more with the removal of the Office Professional Plus licenses. If people open cases asking for an increase, we cannot provide that increase.
PCS Staff: Once you have above information, post it tech team channel.
PCS Staff: 2/1/24 - Shawn decided to remove any reference to the amount of storage within OneDrive and just let users go see what they have.