Microsoft 365 - Getting Started with OneDrive for Business
This document provides an introduction to OneDrive for Business. It explains what OneDrive for Business is, how to access it, how to manage and share files, and key best practices to help you work securely and efficiently.
Note: UW-Madison Microsoft 365 administrators cannot assist users in moving any data out of OneDrive for Business.
What is OneDrive for Business?
- Store work files in the cloud
- Access files from anywhere, on any device
- Share files securely with coworkers and external partners
- Collaborate in real time using Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Eligibility
- Current UW-Madison Faculty/Staff with PAID Appointments
- Currently Enrolled UW-Madison Students
Access OneDrive
Eligible faculty, staff, and students have multiple options to access OneDrive.
- Option 1: Web Browser
- Go to https://uwprod-my.sharepoint.com/ and log in with your NetID credentials.
- Option 2: Desktop Application
- Option 3: Mobile Devices
OneDrive Storage Quota
Starting April 16, 2026, a 25 GB quota will be applied to newly created Microsoft 365 accounts. Accounts that were created before April 16 will receive a quota near their existing usage. Learn more.
Storage increase request form. Current faculty, staff, and students are eligible for an increase. Select affiliations are ineligible for an increase.
Manage OneDrive Storage
The following items use OneDrive storage:
- Files synced from your computer (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, etc.)
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote files saved to OneDrive
- Email attachments saved to OneDrive
- Files you own and share with others
- Files shared in Teams private or group chats (stored in the uploader’s OneDrive)
- Photos and videos (including camera uploads)
- Deleted files still in the OneDrive Recycle Bin
- Loop meeting notes and ideas files
Delete files to free up storage
View alternative storage services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 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.
- 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.
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- Your UW-Madison Office 365 account also comes with OneDrive for Business and is intended to be used for UW-Madison business related purposes.
- Are there file (folder) and sync size limits for OneDrive for Business?
- Yes, please see following Microsoft article for these limits
- 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.
- 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.
See Also
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
Microsoft FAQ
- OneDrive for Business FAQ (managing, sharing, and syncing files)
- OneDrive for Business for Mac FAQ