Working with OneDrive

The Modern work Programme is transitioning staff from Google Drive to Microsoft OneDrive for personal file storage.

This marks Part 2 of Phase 1 in the migration, building on the earlier transition to Outlook and Teams. You will receive an email before your migration begins with full instructions and a confirmed date.

The migration will:

• Automatically copy over files and folders in your Google My Drive, specifically those placed in the _MWP_Migration folder.

• Preserve your folder structure and migrate personal files into OneDrive.

• Provide you with 15 GB of storage space in OneDrive.

• Not migrate Shared Drives or team-based files. These will be reviewed separately in Phase 1b. You can continue to use Google Workspace for this type of shared content. 

ℹ️ More information on the OneDrive migration, including timelines and FAQ, can be found on the Personal Productivity: File Storage page

This video walks you through moving files into your migration folder and shows what they’ll look like in OneDrive after migration.

To help ensure a smooth transition, we recommend completing the following steps before your migration:

• Move personal files
  In your Google My Drive, move any files or folders you wish to keep into the _MWP_Migration folder. Only content in this folder will be migrated.

• Clean up your environment
  Not everything in your Google Drive will need to be migrated. Take this opportunity to complete a digital declutter by reviewing your files and deleting anything outdated, duplicated, or no longer needed.

• Keep file paths short
  Try to keep folder and file names concise.

• Continue using Google Drive until your migration is complete
  OneDrive is available to use before your migration, but only files stored in your Google My Drive at the point of migration will be moved. You can work between both platforms during the transition.

• Make a note of shared files
  If you’ve shared any documents or folders from Google Drive using sharing links, those links will no longer work once files are migrated. You will need to reshare these files from OneDrive, after your migration.

• Leave Shared Drives as they are
  Files stored in Shared Drives are not included in this phase. They will be reviewed and handled separately in Phase 1b.

LinkedIn Learning Training

As a member of staff you currently have access to LinkedIn Learning.  For more information, view this article.

Recommended Courses

OneDrive for Business

Training

The following course is available through the 'Modern Work Programme Learning Plan: Essential Training for M365' which is located on Docebo. The course has been designed to help you build confidence and capability with Microsoft OneDrive.

• Essential OneDrive:  A quick-start session covering the key features of OneDrive including saving files in OneDrive, file management and sharing files.

Accessing Docebo

1. Open a web browser.
2. Navigate to Docebo.
3. Select the Blue 'Single Sign-on' button.
4. The Docebo 'User homepage' will display, select the 'Explore' button on the 'My Learning Plans tile'.
5. Select the the 'Modern Work Programme Learning Plan: Essential Training for M365' to enrol on scheduled sessions.

Note: The transformation project is being delivered in batches. You will gain access to the Learning Plan approximately one week before your migration date.

If you need assistance finding these courses email digitalskills@port.ac.uk.

Compatibility issues with Office 2019 and Office 365

• There have been a few reported incidents of content loss when sharing Microsoft Office documents between Office 2019 on a desktop and Microsoft documents created in a browser using Office 365 for the web. This is a known Microsoft issue. 
• Office 2019 is currently on standard UoP Windows 10 devices, Office 365 will be installed on Windows 11 devices, while Office 365 for the web is available via any browser via office.com
• The current guidance is to continue to use Google Workspace for collaboration and document sharing. However, as you are part of the pilot program, if you do create documents in Office 365, it is recommended that they are edited and shared exclusively within the Office 365 environment without opening them in Office 2019.

Taken from Microsoft Quick Start Guides

Accessing OneDrive using a browser

1. Open a browser (we recommend Microsoft Edge).
2. Navigate to Office.com.
3. Select 'Sign in to your account' (top-right corner).
4. If prompted, sign in with your email address and password.
5. Click the 'App launcher' (top-right) and select OneDrive.
6. OneDrive will open with the 'Home' screen displayed. This page is automatically generated and presents recent and recommended files you may wish to work with.
7. To view all your files and folders, select 'My Files'. 

Managing files using OneDrive in a browser

Managing files in OneDrive is a simple and efficient way to keep your documents, and other files organised and accessible. 

Creating Folders

1. Open OneDrive.

2. In the navigation panel select 'My Files'.
3. Select the '+ Add new'  button and select 'Folder'.
4. Enter a name for the folder.
5. Choose a colour.
6. Select 'Create'.

Moving Files to Folders

There are a couple of methods to move files to folders.

Method 1:

1. Drag the file to the desired folder and release.

Method 2:

1. Hover over the file and right-click, select 'Move to'.

2. Select the folder you wish to move the document to.
3. Click on the 'Move here' button.

Deleting Files and Folders

1. Hover over the file and right-click, select 'Delete' (see instructions on Recycle bin).

Favourite a File

1. Hover over the file and right-click, select 'Favourite'.

Tips

• Always use meaningful names for folder and file names.
• Remember to regularly declutter your files.

Accessing OneDrive from Windows 11 File Explorer

File Explorer, is a built-in application that allows you to navigate, manage, and organise your files and folders which includes OneDrive.
 

1. Click on the File Explorer icon located on the task bar at the bottom of your screen (yellow folder).
2. File Explorer will open.
3. In the left hand navigation panel click on 'OneDrive', (blue cloud followed by your first name - University of Portsmouth).
4. Your OneDrive files will be displayed.
5. The status of each file and folder will be shown:

• Circle with a tick indicates a synced file/folder.
• Cloud indicates a file or folder that has not been synced - it has been created in the browser, to sync it to your device click on the file to open it.

Managing OneDrive Files using File Explorer

File Explorer is a built-in application that enables you to navigate, manage, and organise your files and folders efficiently.

Viewing OneDrive in File Explorer

1. Click on the 'File Explorer' icon located on the task bar at the bottom of your screen (yellow folder).
2. File Explorer will open.
3. In the left hand navigation panel click on your 'OneDrive' ( blue cloud followed by your first name - University of Portsmouth).

Creating Folders in File Explorer

1. Click on 'New' (+ top right).
2. Select 'Folder'.
3. A folder will be created.
4. Click in the 'Name field' and enter a folder name (or right-click and select 'Rename').

Moving Files and Folders into Folders

1. Drag the file or folder to the desired location and release.

Deleting Files and Folders

1. Right-click on the file or folder and select 'Delete' (top left).

Sharing OneDrive Files

Sharing Office files on OneDrive is a convenient way to collaborate with others, ensuring everyone has access to the latest version of your documents with the permission level you set.

Direct Share

1. Open OneDrive.
2. In the navigation panel select 'My Files'.
3. Hover over the file you want to share and select the 'Share' icon.
4. Type in the email of the recipient you want to share the document with.
5. Choose the permission rights for the document you are sharing, 'Can edit', 'Can review', 'Can view', or 'Can't download'.
6. Add an optional message.
7. Select 'Send' to share the file.

Creating a Link to Share

1. Open OneDrive.
2. in the navigation panel select 'My Files'.
3. Hover over the file you want to share and select the 'Share' icon.
4. Select 'Link Settings' (cog icon).
5. Choose who this link will work for and select 'Apply'.
6. Select 'Copy link'.

Managing OneDrive Notifications

OneDrive notifications help you stay informed about changes and activities related to your files.

1. Open OneDrive in a browser
2. Click 'Settings' (cog), top-right of the screen.
3. Select 'OneDrive Settings'.
4. The Notification settings screen will display, use the toggle buttons to turn notifications on or off.

Turning on Dark Mode

Dark mode in OneDrive offers a variety of benefits that can enhance your user experience. Many users appreciate how dark mode reduces eye strain, especially in low-light conditions, and prefer the aesthetic design.

1. Open OneDrive in a browser.
2. Click 'Settings' (cog), top-right of the screen.
3. Scroll down and toggle the 'Dark Mode' button on.

Creating documents in the browser

Your Windows 11 device comes with Microsoft 365 Apps installed, the latest version of Microsoft Office. This allows you to create and edit Office documents using desktop apps on your Windows 11 device, as well as through Office web applications in your browser.

Method 1: From OneDrive

1. Select the 'OneDrive' (blue cloud icon in the system tray).
2. Click on 'View online'.
3. OneDrive will open in a new browser tab.
4. Click the '+ Add new button'.
5. Choose the type of document you wish to create.
6. The browser document will open in a new tab.
7. By default, the document will be stored on OneDrive. To verify, click on the down-arrow next to the document name.
8. To name the document click in the 'document name field', type the new name, and press enter on your keyboard to confirm.
9. To close the document, close the browser tab, your document will be automatically saved.

Method 2: From the App Launcher

1. Open a browser and navigate to office.com.
2. Log in with your University email and password if prompted.
3. Click on the 'App launcher' (top right corner).
4. Select the app you wish to open.
5. The app will launch in a new browser tab.
6. By default, the document will be stored on OneDrive.
7. To close the document, close the browser tab, your document will be automatically saved.

Creating documents from your Windows 11 device

1. On your taskbar click on 'Start'.
2. Click on the 'All' button to display all the applications you have stored on your laptop.
3. Locate and open the Office app.
4. The document will open, but note that the 'Autosave' button is not enabled.
5. Click on 'File', then select 'Save As'.
6. Enter a name for the file.
7. Click the 'Save' button.
8. The Autosave button will now be enabled.

Deleting files: OneDrive & Windows 11 Recycle Bins 

There are two recycle bins:

OneDrive Recycle Bin 

To access the Recycle Bin log into OneDrive via a browser, click on Recycle bin in the navigation panel.   

Files that move to this Recycle Bin when deleted: 

• Files that have been created and edited in the browser. 
• Files synced to your device.*  

*These files will also go to the Windows 11 recycle bin.

Files will remain in the OneDrive Recycle Bin for 93 days. If you delete them from the OneDrive Recycle Bin before 93 days, they will move to the second stage Recycle Bin, which acts as a fail-safe. They will remain there for the remainder of the 93 days unless you delete them permanently.

Windows 11 Recycle Bin 

To access the Recycle Bin, click the Icon on your desktop.

Files that move to the Windows 11 Recycle Bin when deleted:

• Files synced to your device.* 
• Any other files are stored locally e.g. files in your Download folder.

*These files will also go to the OneDrive Recycle bin. 

Locally deleted files will remain here until you empty it. 

Note: If you have confidential files that need to be deleted, you may need to delete them from both the OneDrive and Windows 11 Recycle Bins.
 

Syncing Windows 11 folders with OneDrive 

Syncing means that specified folders on your Windows 11 device are automatically updated to OneDrive in the cloud. This allows you to access to these files via an internet browser through Office.com or a mobile app.  When you add, change, or delete a file in your synced folder, these changes are reflected both locally and in the cloud. 

Your Windows 11 device will be set up to automatically sync folders to OneDrive: 

• Desktop 
• Documents 
• Pictures 

Choosing Folders to Sync

1. Select the 'OneDrive' icon in your task bar.
2. Select the 'Help and Settings' (Cog top-left).
3. Select 'Settings'.
4. Select 'Account'.
5. Click on the 'Choose folders' button.
6. The Choose Folders screen will display, folders that are greyed out will automatically sync.  You can select or deselect folders to sync by clicking on the check box next to the folders.