Windows 8

Using OneDrive with Windows 8

One of the biggest changes in Windows 8 is that it is closely integrated with OneDrive, Microsoft's online storage service. If you have files stored in your OneDrive, you'll be able to access them easily with Windows 8. In this lesson, we'll show you how to manage your OneDrive files, and also how to install the OneDrive Desktop app.

OneDrive was previously called SkyDrive. There's nothing fundamentally different about the way OneDrive works—it's just a new name for an existing service. Over the next few months, you may still see SkyDrive in some Microsoft products.

Why use OneDrive?

If you've used previous versions of Windows, you're probably used to working with folders and files on your computer. But people are now more mobile than ever, and it's nice to have your files with you wherever you go. The cloud is generally the most convenient way to do this. If you store your files online, then all you need is an internet connection, and you'll be able to access your files—whether you're at work, at home, or at a friend's house.

OneDrive gives you 7 gigabytes of online storage space for free, and you can purchase more space if you need it. You can decide whether you want to store all of your files online, or just the most important ones. When you log in to Windows with your Microsoft account, it automatically connects to your OneDrive, allowing you to access your files from the built-in OneDrive app or the Photos app.

The Photos app lets you access your OneDrive photos

To learn more, check out our Microsoft Account and OneDrive and Office Online tutorials.