Get Started with OneDrive (for Work or School)

Questions

  • What is OneDrive (for Work or School) and how do I use it at Bowdoin?
  • How much cloud storage do I get with my Bowdoin account?
  • Where can I access my OneDrive files?
  • Is OneDrive an approved place to store Bowdoin files, including sensitive data?
  • How large a file can I store in OneDrive?
  • Are my OneDrive files secure, and can I recover a deleted file?
  • Can I share OneDrive files with people on and off campus?

Environment

This article applies to all current Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students, who each have a OneDrive (for Work or School) account through Microsoft 365. OneDrive is Bowdoin's only approved and supported cloud storage option.

Resolution

OneDrive (for Work or School) is a cloud storage service provided by Microsoft as part of Microsoft 365. It is a safe, secure way to sync, save, and share files and documents that can be accessed both online and offline. You can access OneDrive from the Microsoft 365 app launcher at https://office365.bowdoin.edu, or by going to https://onedrive.live.com and selecting Work or School account after entering your Bowdoin email address.

OneDrive cloud logo with the text: One place for everything in your life.

Storage that meets your needs

Your OneDrive account includes up to 1 TB of storage to keep all of your files safe and organized. You can drag and drop files into the web browser or sync them using the OneDrive sync client and see the files become available on any device, from almost anywhere. OneDrive supports syncing nearly any file type and size, up to 15 GB per file.

Do more, produce more

Beyond saving files, you can create any type of Microsoft 365 file in OneDrive, work on it, save it, and share it with anyone, on any device.

Your data, protected

All of your files are stored on Microsoft servers in the United States. The files are encrypted in transit (syncing, sharing, uploading, and downloading) and while at rest. Deleted files are also recoverable within 30 days of deletion.

Advantages of using OneDrive

  • 1 TB of storage per person.
  • Can sync files up to 15 GB in size.
  • Integrated with all Microsoft 365 online applications.
  • Able to share files and folders with people both on and off campus.
  • A sync client is available, and recommended, to keep all files synchronized between computers and online storage.
  • Access your files and folders from anywhere, on any device.
  • Ability to scan documents from a PaperCut printer directly into a OneDrive folder.
  • One of the only approved storage locations for college sensitive data.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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Related Articles (4)

Set Up the OneDrive Sync Client
Instructions for installing and configuring the OneDrive sync client on Windows and macOS so that files sync between a computer and OneDrive online. Covers checking whether the client is already installed, downloading it if needed, signing in with a Bowdoin account, choosing the sync location, and locating the synced folder.
Upload Documents to OneDrive
Describes the two most common ways to add documents to OneDrive: uploading through a web browser and using the OneDrive sync client on a Mac or Windows computer. Covers upload size limits, installing the sync client, folder backup, and file sync limitations. Applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff with a Bowdoin account.