OneDrive apps and synchronising files


You can synchronise copies of files in OneDrive to your local device for use when you don't have an internet connection.

When you connect back to the internet any changes you made will be updated in OneDrive.

You must not store any highly confidential University data in OneDrive without encrypting it, and even then should only store it there for the minimum period required. 

"Confidential" and "Highly Confidential" classifications for data are described fully in the Information Protection Policy - see Related Documents.

Staff must not synchronise any classified or confidential data to non-University devices.

Where should I store my files?

Storage Area 

Confidential Data 

Highly Confidential Data 

 M drive

 Yes

Yes

 OneDrive

 Yes

Only if encrypted

 N drive

 Yes

Only if encrypted

 University laptop or portable device

Only if encrypted and on a temporary basis 

Only if encrypted and on a temporary basis

 Home computer 

 No

 No

Smartphones and tablets
The OneDrive app is available for smartphones and tablets - Download here

On a University cluster computer
We aren't currently able to support a synchronisation client on the cluster desktop- but we are working on it for a future release

On a University staff computer

Windows 10 & 11
The OneDrive sync client for Windows 10 is installed with Microsoft Office, but we recommend that you use the OneDrive client instead.

It allows you to see all your files, but to choose which you want to keep a local copy of. If the OneDrive client isn't installed then please install it from the Software Center (see related articles at top right if you need instructions); if this doesn't work please contact IT.

This Microsoft page helps you to work out which client you have installed.

Mac
If you have macOS Mojave (10.14.6) or later, then you can use OneDrive Files On-Demand, which may need turning on in the OneDrive Preferences.  

For earlier versions of macOS, either install the OneDrive application from the Mac App Store or if you do not have permissions, contact Service Desk to arrange for the OneDrive app to be installed on your Mac. Once installed please follow these instructions.

Linux
Unfortunately Microsoft don't offer a Linux client currently. We, along with several other universities, are lobbying them to change this - you could help enormously by filling out this form to support us.

On a home computer

Windows 10 & 11
OneDrive will already be installed on your device - you can configure it following these instructions

Mac
You can download the OneDrive app from the Mac App store and configuration instructions are on the Microsoft support site

Linux
Unfortunately Microsoft don't offer a Linux client currently. We, along with several other universities, are lobbying them to change this - you could help enormously by filling out this form to support us.

Problems synchronising files

We recommend you use the official Microsoft self-help guide. If this recommends that you need some software installing or removing from a University computer please raise an Install Software request using the related link.

For more support, you may also wish to refer to our OneDrive training path on LinkedIn.