OneDrive/SharePoint: Syncing

Microsoft OneDrive client allows you to synchronize files between Office365 (OneDrive and SharePoint sites) and your computer. If you're syncing local files, please check with your OneDrive app and with the UNC OneDrive that they are being updated. It is best to use the UNC OneDrive. You can create new files there or right click your files and open online or with your computer's programs (like Word.) If you do choose to enable syncing, make sure important files are in the folder named OneDrive - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Only those files are backed up; computer or hard drive loss will result in the loss of all your Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and other files.

Before You Begin

• You will need to be able to login to OneDrive and have the client installed.  Directions for both can be found at OneDrive: Getting Started.
• It is permissible to store Sensitive Data in Office365. If you synchronize sensitive data to your computer, special requirements must be met. To review these requirements, please see the UNC Chapel Hill Office365 Sensitive Information Guide.
• There are concerns that users may try to synchronize a group, file or folder not realizing that it contains sensitive data.
• The storage allocations in Office 365 can be large. If you choose to synchronize large amounts of data, you can fill up your local hard drive. If you do choose to synchronize, select just the files and folders you wish to sync – not all files and folders.
• Caution: If you enable local sync and then delete the local files, they will be deleted in Office 365.

Synchronization is available by default for OneDrive for Individuals.  You may also Synchronize with Office 365 Group/Teams and SharePoint. Please note this may not be on by default. 

Syncing OneDrive

How do I enable Synchronization for individuals?

1. Open OneDrive. See the OneDrive Getting Started article if you need instructions.

2. Click the Sync link on the menu bar (circled below).
   

3. If your local client is already configured for synchronization, you will see the list of files and folders you are currently synchronizing.  You can modify the settings if desired.

4. If the client is not installed you will see a pop up window stating “get the latest version of OneDrive”.  Directions for installing OneDrive can be found at OneDrive: Getting Started.

5. A new window will open showing you your local explorer view of the files you have selected to synchronize.
    

How do I enable Synchronization for a Groups site?

1. Open the appropriate OneDrive Group you wish to synchronize.  Review notes at the beginning of this document if you need help getting started.

2. Click the Sync link on the menu bar (circled below).
   

3. If your local client is already configured for synchronization, you will see the list of files and folders you are currently synchronizing.  You can modify the settings if desired.

4. If the client is not installed you will see a pop up window stating “get the latest version of OneDrive”.  Directions for installing OneDrive can be found at OneDrive: Getting Started.

5. A new window will open showing you your local explorer view of the files you have selected to synchronize.

Managing configuration of the OneDrive client:

After you have installed the application and configured synchronization following the steps above, you can manage the configuration from the Microsoft OneDrive application on your client machine.

On a Mac you should find the icon In your Menu Bar (Top right corner of your screen by the time), you should have a black cloud icon.  If the cloud is not displayed, open the Microsoft OneDrive application under Applications Folder and it should then show up.

On a PC you should find the icon in your Menu Bar in the (Lower right corner of your screen by the time), you should have a blue cloud icon.  If the cloud is not displayed, open the Microsoft OneDrive application by searching under Start and it should then show up.

Right-Click the cloud icon to see the application options:

• Open Folder
  • Opens your local folder that is being synchronized with Office 365.
• View Online
  • Opens your OneDrive – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on the web.
• Recycle Bin
  • Opens your OneDrive Recycle Bin on the web.
• Gear Icon
  • Opens the settings for your OneDrive application and Defaults to the General tab in a new window.
• General Tab
  • Hide Dock icon - Allows you to hide the icon from showing on the dock.
  • Open at Login - Opens the OneDrive client when you log in.
  • Display notifications when people share with me or edit my files. - This will notify you when people share items with you or when they edit items you have shared with them.
• Account Tab
  • Add an account - Allows you to configure a new Office 365 account to synchronize with. Follow the steps above for configuration.
  • Manage Storage - Same behavior as manage storage above.
  • Unlink this PC - Allows you to stop synchronization. A copy of the files will be left on the local PC.
  • Choose folders - Allows you to modify the OneDrive files and folders you are synchronizing.
  • Stop Sync - Allows you to stop synchronization. A copy of the files will be left on the local PC.
• About Tab
  • Provides general information about the OneDrive application

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the upload file size limit?