Microsoft OneDrive is FAU’s cloud storage service included with Microsoft 365. Current FAU students, faculty, and staff can use OneDrive to store, access, sync, and share files from supported devices.
Before you begin: Microsoft 365 access, including OneDrive, is only available while you maintain an active FAU student or employee status. OneDrive access will be deactivated after you leave FAU.
Sign-in reminder: Use your full FAU email address when signing in, such as FAUNetID@fau.edu or FAUNetID@health.fau.edu. You may be redirected to FAU single sign-on and prompted to authenticate with Microsoft Authenticator.
What Is OneDrive? ▾
OneDrive is cloud storage that lets you save files online and access them from different devices. Files stored in OneDrive can be accessed through a web browser, the OneDrive desktop sync app, the OneDrive mobile app, and Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Benefits of OneDrive
- Store files in the cloud instead of only on one computer.
- Access files from a computer, mobile device, or web browser.
- Sync files between your computer and OneDrive.
- Work on files offline when they are available on your device.
- Share files and folders with others when needed.
Note: Files stored in OneDrive are connected to your FAU Microsoft 365 account. Access depends on your active FAU student or employee status.
Access OneDrive from a Web Browser ▾
You can access OneDrive from a supported web browser without installing the OneDrive sync app.
- Go to https://portal.office.com.
- Sign in with your full FAU email address.
- If prompted, complete the FAU single sign-on process.
- From the Microsoft 365 apps page, select OneDrive.
- Your OneDrive will open, and you will be able to access your files.
Tip: If you do not see OneDrive immediately, select the app launcher or the option to view all Microsoft 365 apps, then choose OneDrive.
OneDrive Sync Overview ▾
The OneDrive sync app lets you sync files between your computer and your FAU OneDrive account. When files are synced, changes made on your computer can sync to OneDrive online, and changes made online can sync back to your computer.
- On Windows, synced files usually appear in File Explorer under OneDrive - Florida Atlantic University.
- On Mac, synced files usually appear in Finder under OneDrive - Florida Atlantic University.
- The OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area or Mac menu bar can be used to check sync status and open OneDrive settings.
- With Files On-Demand, you can see files in OneDrive without downloading every file to the device.
Related article: For detailed setup steps, refer to the OneDrive article for setting up OneDrive sync on Windows or Mac.
OneDrive Sync on FAU Computers ▾
If your FAU computer has the OneDrive Sync feature enabled, you must sign in to your FAU OneDrive account for syncing to begin.
The OneDrive Sync feature may sync data from specific folders on the computer to your FAU OneDrive account.
Folders that may sync from your FAU computer
- Files not in a folder
- Desktop
- Documents
- My Data Sources
- Notebooks
- Pictures
Important: If you have files that you do not want synced to OneDrive, move them to a folder that is not configured to sync. The Downloads folder is commonly used for files that should remain local to the computer.
Note: Sync settings may vary depending on the computer, account, and FAU configuration.
What Can I Do Next? ▾
After you can access OneDrive, you can use related OneDrive articles for more specific tasks.
- Set up sync: Sync OneDrive files to a Windows or Mac computer.
- Manage sync settings: Choose which OneDrive folders sync to a computer or stop syncing a folder.
- Share files and folders: Share files with people inside or outside FAU.
- Review sharing access: Check who has access to files you have shared.
- Troubleshoot sync issues: Resolve common OneDrive sync or file-opening problems.
Troubleshooting ▾
- If you cannot sign in, make sure you are using your full FAU email address.
- If you are prompted to choose an account type, select Work or school account.
- If OneDrive does not appear in the Microsoft 365 apps page, select the app launcher or view all apps.
- If OneDrive opens online but files are not appearing on your computer, the issue may be related to the OneDrive sync app.
- If the OneDrive cloud icon is missing from your computer, OneDrive may not be running or may not be installed.
- If you recently became inactive as a student or employee, your Microsoft 365 and OneDrive access may no longer be available.
Still Need Help?
If you are unable to access OneDrive or are experiencing issues with OneDrive sync, please contact the Help Desk at 561-297-3999 or submit a ticket for assistance.
Submit a OneDrive support request