Set Up the OneDrive Sync Client

Questions

  • How do I set up the OneDrive sync client on my computer?
  • How do I install OneDrive on Windows or macOS?
  • How do I sign in to OneDrive with my Bowdoin account?
  • How do I get my OneDrive files to sync to my computer?
  • Where is the OneDrive folder on my computer?
  • How do I know if the OneDrive sync client is already installed?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students setting up the OneDrive sync client on a Windows 11 or macOS computer with a Bowdoin Microsoft 365 account. Most Bowdoin-managed computers, including those in classrooms and computer labs, already have the sync client installed.

Resolution

To synchronize documents from OneDrive online to a local computer, the sync client must be installed and set up. If you already see the OneDrive sync client's cloud icon OneDrive cloud icon. in the Task Tray on Windows or in the Finder menu bar on macOS, you can skip to the configuration steps below.

Install the sync client

All Bowdoin-managed computers should already have the OneDrive sync client installed. If you are on a personal computer that does not have the OneDrive sync client, you can download and install it from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/download.

Configure the sync client

Configuration of the OneDrive client is similar on both macOS and Windows. Follow these steps to configure the basic sync settings.

  1. Select the OneDrive icon in the Task Tray on Windows, in the Finder menu bar on macOS, or by launching the OneDrive application itself on either operating system.
  2. A window will appear letting you know that OneDrive is not set up. Select Sign in. (If the OneDrive cloud icon disappears, wait 30 seconds for the application to update and then launch the application again.)
    OneDrive sign-in prompt with "Sign in to OneDrive to get started" and a blue Sign in button.
  3. Enter your Bowdoin email address in the field on the "Set up OneDrive" window.
    OneDrive setup screen with a field to enter an email address and options to create an account or sign in.
  4. Choose the option Work or School if presented with a choice.
  5. You will be brought to the Bowdoin login page. Log in with your Bowdoin credentials.
  6. Keep the default sync location as presented. It will always be in one of the following formats:
    • C:\Users\UserName\OneDrive - Bowdoin College on Windows.
    • Macintosh HD\Users\UserName\OneDrive - Bowdoin College on macOS.
    OneDrive setup screen showing the OneDrive folder location on a Mac with a Next button.
  7. Select Next and continue through the Get to Know Your OneDrive tutorial.
  8. Select any listed folder(s) you would like to sync with OneDrive. Folders only appear if there are folders in OneDrive online. If there are no folders or files listed, you are all set. Any file or folder you place in your local OneDrive folder will automatically sync up to OneDrive online.
  9. Once setup is complete, any folders you selected will download. When finished, select the OneDrive icon to see a notification that all files are in sync.
  10. To more easily locate the files on your computer, select the OneDrive icon and choose Open folder. Your OneDrive - Bowdoin College folder will open with all of the files that are syncing up to OneDrive.

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.
Print Article

Related Articles (9)

Fix Files or Folders That Will Not Sync or Upload to OneDrive from a Mac
Explains why some files or folders will not upload to OneDrive through the web or sync with the OneDrive sync client, focusing on the two most common causes on a Mac: unsupported characters in a file or folder name and a file or folder path that is too long. Applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff using OneDrive on macOS or Windows.
Get Started with OneDrive (for Work or School)
An overview of OneDrive (for Work or School), the Microsoft 365 cloud storage service available to all current Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students. Explains how much storage is included, how files can be synced and shared, how data is protected, and the main advantages of using OneDrive.
How to install Microsoft Office 365
Explains how Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students install the Microsoft 365 (Office) apps — including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint — on a Bowdoin-issued device using Self Service or Company Portal, or on a personal Mac or Windows computer from the Microsoft 365 portal.
macOS Computer Setup: New CAP Computer
Step-by-step guide for setting up a new Bowdoin macOS computer received through the CAP program. Covers confirming data backup, running Apple Setup Assistant, restoring data via Druva inSync, installing apps from Self Service, configuring core apps, connecting peripherals, and scheduling a follow-up with IT.
macOS First Time Computer Setup
Step-by-step guide for setting up a Bowdoin-issued Mac running macOS Sequoia or Tahoe for the first time, outside of the CAP process. Covers running Setup Assistant, enrolling in Bowdoin Remote Management (MDM), installing apps from Self Service, and launching frequently used applications.
Sync Folders Shared with You in OneDrive to Your Computer
Explains how to sync a OneDrive folder that another person has shared with you so that it is available offline on your computer. Covers finding shared folders online, starting the sync, locating the synced files, and managing which shared folders continue to sync.
Understand Files in OneDrive, Teams and SharePoint
Explains how OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint work together for storing and sharing files in Microsoft 365, where files shared in Teams actually live, and how to choose the right place to save a file. Includes a quick reference for common scenarios.
Windows First Time Computer Setup
Step-by-step guide for setting up a Bowdoin-issued Windows 11 computer for the first time, outside of the CAP process. Covers signing in through Microsoft Autopilot, installing apps from Company Portal, and launching and configuring frequently used applications.
Windows First Time Setup: New CAP Computer
Step-by-step guide for setting up a new Bowdoin Windows 11 computer received through the CAP program. Covers confirming data backup, connecting peripherals and monitors, logging in, restoring data with Druva inSync, installing apps from Company Portal, configuring core apps including PaperCut and OneDrive, and scheduling a follow-up with IT.