Download OneDrive directly from Microsoft

OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage service, and the easiest way to get it is straight from Microsoft's website. Go to onedrive.live.com in your web browser, then look for a button that says "Download" or "Get OneDrive". Click it, and your browser will start downloading the installer file — a small program that sets up OneDrive on your computer.

The file downloads to your Downloads folder by default. Once it finishes, you'll see it listed in your browser's download history, usually at the bottom of the window. The download takes just a few seconds on most internet connections.

If you use Windows 10 or Windows 11, OneDrive may already be installed on your computer. Open your Start menu and type "OneDrive" to check. If it appears, you already have it — you just need to sign in with your Microsoft account.

Key Takeaways

  • OneDrive installs from onedrive.live.com or from your computer's built-in app store, depending on your operating system.
  • After you download the installer, double-click it and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
  • You will need a Microsoft account to sign in — this is a free account you can create at microsoft.com if you don't have one.
  • Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers usually have OneDrive already installed, so check your Start menu before downloading.
  • Mac users should download from the Microsoft Office website or the Mac App Store, not from the OneDrive website.

Run the installer and sign in

Find the OneDrive installer file in your Downloads folder. It will be named something like "OneDriveSetup.exe" on Windows or "OneDrive.pkg" on Mac. Double-click it to start the installation.

A window will open asking you to confirm that you want to install OneDrive. Click "Install" or "Next" to proceed. The installer will copy files to your computer and may ask for permission to make changes — this is normal. If a dialog box appears asking "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?", click "Yes".

Once installation finishes, a sign-in window will appear. Enter your Microsoft account email address and password. If you don't have a Microsoft account, you can create one for free at microsoft.com — you'll need one to use OneDrive anyway. After you sign in, OneDrive will sync to your computer and you're done.

Install OneDrive from your app store instead

Windows 10 and Windows 11 users can also download OneDrive from the Microsoft Store app instead of the website. Open the Microsoft Store (search for "Microsoft Store" in your Start menu), then search for "OneDrive" in the search box at the top. Click the OneDrive result, then click "Get" or "Install". The store will handle the download and setup automatically.

Mac users should download OneDrive from the Mac App Store. Open the App Store, search for "OneDrive", and click "Get" next to the Microsoft OneDrive result. You may need to sign in with your Apple ID, but the download and installation happen automatically.

Using your app store is often simpler because the store handles updates automatically — you won't have to manually download a new version when Microsoft releases one. The website method works just as well, but you'll need to check for updates yourself occasionally.

What to do if the download won't start

If clicking the download button does nothing, your browser may be blocking the download. Look for a notification bar at the top or bottom of your browser window asking if you want to allow the download. Click "Allow" or "Download" if you see it.

If your antivirus software is blocking the download, temporarily disable it while you download OneDrive, then turn it back on. OneDrive is safe — it's made by Microsoft — but some antivirus programs are overly cautious. You can also try a different web browser if one isn't working.

If the installer file downloads but won't run when you double-click it, try right-clicking the file and selecting "Run as administrator" on Windows, or "Open" on Mac. This gives the installer the permissions it needs to make changes to your system.

Set up OneDrive folders after installation

After you sign in, OneDrive will ask which folders you want to sync. A sync means OneDrive keeps copies of your files on both your computer and in the cloud — if you change a file on your computer, it updates in the cloud automatically, and vice versa. You can choose to sync all your files or just certain folders to save space on your hard drive.

OneDrive will create a folder on your computer called "OneDrive" (usually in your Documents or user folder). Any files you put in this folder will automatically upload to the cloud. You can also tell OneDrive to sync other folders on your computer if you want them backed up.

Once setup is complete, OneDrive runs in the background. You'll see a small OneDrive icon in your system tray (bottom right on Windows, top right on Mac) showing whether it's syncing. You can click this icon to open your OneDrive folder or change settings.

Troubleshoot common installation problems

If the installer says your computer doesn't meet the system requirements, you may be using an older version of Windows or Mac. OneDrive requires Windows 10 or later on Windows computers, and macOS 10.12 or later on Mac. If your computer is older, you can still use OneDrive through your web browser at onedrive.live.com, but you won't get the automatic syncing feature.

If you see an error message during installation, write down the exact error code and search for it on Microsoft's support website. Most errors have simple fixes — like freeing up disk space or closing other programs that are running. Restarting your computer and trying the installation again often solves the problem.

If OneDrive installs but won't sign you in, make sure you're using the correct Microsoft account email and password. If you've forgotten your password, go to account.microsoft.com and use the "Forgot my password" option to reset it. You may also need to check that your internet connection is working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for OneDrive?

OneDrive is free to download and use, though it comes with limited storage. A free account gives you 5 GB of cloud storage. If you need more space, Microsoft sells paid plans starting at 100 GB per month, but you don't need to pay anything to get your free guide.

Can I use OneDrive on my phone?

Yes. OneDrive has apps for iPhone and Android that you can download from the App Store or Google Play Store. The phone app works the same way as the computer version — it syncs your files and lets you access them from anywhere.

What if I already have a Microsoft account from Office or Outlook?

Use that same account to sign into OneDrive. Your Microsoft account works across all Microsoft services, so you don't need to create a new one. Just enter your email and password when OneDrive asks you to sign in.

Will OneDrive slow down my computer?

OneDrive runs in the background and uses very little processing power. Most users don't notice any slowdown. If you're concerned about disk space, you can choose to sync only certain folders instead of your entire computer during setup.

Can I uninstall OneDrive if I change my mind?

Yes. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps and features, find OneDrive, and click "Uninstall". On Mac, open Applications, find OneDrive, and drag it to the Trash. Your files in the cloud stay safe — uninstalling just removes the program from your computer.