OneDrive Sync App

The OneDrive sync app comes as part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite and allows you to access your OneDrive files right from your computer’s File Explorer (for Windows) or Finder (for Mac).

The OneDrive sync app includes the following features:

  • Status icons for every folder and file in your storage folder
  • Context menu options to allow you to share your files, free up space, and review versions
  • Connection to SharePoint folders to make shared documents available from your computer

Support Policy

MET IT is responsible for the following:

  • Set up and configuration of OneDrive sync app on BU-provisioned devices
  • Set up and configuration of SharePoint Sync feature on BU-provisioned devices
  • General Troubleshooting
  • Instructor-Led Training

Resources

Instructor-Led Training
Quick Start (Mac)
Quick Start (Windows)
SharePoint Sync & Shortcuts
Status Icon Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my OneDrive folder labelled “OneDrive – Boston University”?

As the OneDrive sync app can have multiple accounts and folders connected to it, different names are assigned to the main folders. The naming convention is as follows:

  • Non-BU Account: OneDrive – Personal
  • BU Account: OneDrive – Boston University
  • SharePoint Sync Folders:
    • Boston University
    • OneDrive – Shared Libraries – Boston University
Where are my OneDrive folders located on my computer?

OneDrive will automatically make OneDrive folders available in the left hand navigation of your File Explorer/Finder. If the folder doesn’t appear, you can find your OneDrive folders in the following folders:

  • Mac: /home/<Your Login Name>/
  • Windows: C:\Users\<Your Login Name>\
Is it safe to delete files from my computer’s OneDrive folders?

The purpose of the OneDrive sync app is to copy any actions you take on your computer to the cloud storage and vice versa. If you delete an item from your computer, it will delete the item from the cloud storage.

If you don’t need a file in either location, you can delete the file without issue.
If you don’t need the file on your computer but need it to be saved in the cloud, use the “Free Up Space” option.

To access this option in both Mac and Windows, left-click the file to highlight it, then right-click and select Free Up Space.