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OneDrive

IT Service

What is OneDrive?

OneDrive is a cloud-based storage solution that’s an essential part of Microsoft 365. It provides University staff and students with a secure and convenient place to store, share, and collaborate on personal work files.

With OneDrive, you can access and update your files from any device that supports it, including mobile devices, Macs, PCs, and web browsers. This makes it easy to work with colleagues and external partners in real time, no matter where you are.

Why should I use OneDrive?

There are several reasons why you should consider using OneDrive for your personal work documents and files:

  • Security: OneDrive provides a safe and secure cloud-based storage solution for your files.
  • Integration: OneDrive seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft 365 apps, making it easy to access your files and collaborate with others.
  • Accessibility: You can access your OneDrive files from any device with an internet connection, no matter where you are.
  • Collaboration: With OneDrive, you can share and co-author files in real time with colleagues and external partners, making it easy to work together efficiently.
  • Data protection: OneDrive includes robust data recovery features to help protect your files from loss.
  • File activity: You can view file activity information to keep track of changes and updates to your files.

What should I store in OneDrive?

OneDrive is ideal for storing your personal work files and documents that are not critical to your department, school, or area. Examples of documents that can be stored in OneDrive include return-to-work forms, appraisal forms, and DSE assessments.

For business-critical data that’s essential to your department, school, or area, it’s important to store it in a location that promotes collaboration and helps ensure business continuity. Storing data in silos or on individual devices can create unnecessary risks and make it harder to access critical information when you need it.

SharePoint sites are a great option for storing business-critical data because they provide secure, centralised locations for sharing and collaborating on documents with colleagues. By using these shared storage options, you can help ensure that important information is readily available to those who need it, even if one team member is unavailable or a device is lost or stolen.

For more information about the appropriate storage and retention of data, please visit the Information Assurance website.

Visit the Information Assurance website

Accessing OneDrive

You can access OneDrive via your web browser by clicking on the OneDrive for Business link under the Applications section of the staff portal.

Alternatively, navigate directly to Office.com then select the app-launcher in the top-left corner (9 dots). Select OneDrive from the list to navigate to the app.

Learn more about accessing OneDrive via a web browser

OneDrive sync app

With the OneDrive sync app, you can synchronise files between your computer and the cloud, allowing you to use your installed desktop applications to work with your OneDrive files.

Please note that this is only permitted on University of Worcester devices for security reasons.

Learn more about the OneDrive sync app

An inclusive, accessible Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 provides best-in-class apps and powerful cloud services with accessibility built-in. Designed to meet the needs of people around the globe with different abilities, the features within the Microsoft 365 apps ensure everyone can create, communicate, and collaborate on any device.

To make OneDrive even more accessible, you can use keyboard shortcuts specifically designed for OneDrive for work or school. Additionally, Microsoft provides accessibility support for Windows and OneDrive, and you can set up your device to work with accessibility features in Microsoft 365.

Accessibility support for OneDrive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OneDrive secure?

All data deposited in the University’s OneDrive service is stored within Microsoft’s data centres located in the EU. The University retains full ownership and control over the data and is satisfied that the data is properly secured and protected.

The contractual agreements between Microsoft and the University have been negotiated by the JISC on behalf of the UK HE sector and abide by all relevant UK and European legislation.

In addition, the UK Government has granted Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Office 365 “OFFICIAL” accreditation. This means that they are accredited to hold or transact public sector data for business conducted at the OFFICIAL level of Security Classification.

What happens to my OneDrive files if I leave the University?

All Office documents and other files stored in your OneDrive space will become inaccessible to you when you leave the University and will eventually be deleted. It is therefore your responsibility to ensure that you obtain copies of any documents or files you require before you leave the University.

If you require further assistance with this, please contact us via the IT Service Desk.

Popular guides and FAQs

Find more guides and answers in the OneDrive section of our FAQs.

OneDrive guides & FAQs

OneDrive training

Visit our IT Training portal to learn about the available training for OneDrive.

Learn more about OneDrive training

OneDrive Policy

The OneDrive policy can be found on the IT Service policies page.

Read our OneDrive policy

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