Starting on Friday, September 18, OneDrive will change how it works and how you might currently be using it. UCF IT has set up OneDrive to make it easier for you to access your files and protect them when you have computer issues. For computers running Windows 10, OneDrive will automatically synchronize files located in specific folders. The changes will not change any Macs or personal devices, as well as some laptops and a few computers not managed by UCF IT. Additionally, many former SDES computers and staff will not see any changes at this time.
What is Changing?
OneDrive will continue to operate and work as you are currently using it. If you currently do not use OneDrive, this will not change how you access your existing files on your computer; it will make some them available through OneDrive. For anyone who currently uses OneDrive, you will see additional folders automatically added to your existing OneDrive. Folders that previously existed in your OneDrive will merge, and OneDrive will add any files to its existing folder. For example, if you have a folder in OneDrive named “Documents,” this change will leave all files in the folder and add any files from your computer’s “Documents” folder to the OneDrive “Documents” folder.
The change will be applied automatically, and it will start taking effect after the first time you sign in to your computer directly or remotely after Friday. In some cases, restarting the computer once or twice can help initiate the change. You do not need to take any additional steps or actions.
How Does This Affect Me?
With the changes applied, OneDrive will start the synchronization for files located in several locations.
OneDrive will automatically synchronize the following locations:
- Desktop
- Documents folder
- Pictures folder
- Videos folder
- Music folder
- Favorites (from Internet Explorer only)
The computer will continue to synchronize any files or folders in the locations with OneDrive. Depending on the number and size of files, the initial synchronization process can take a few hours. OneDrive will continue to synchronize in the background. While UCF IT cannot turn-off the changes to OneDrive for any computer or person, Windows 10 has folder locations that will not synchronize with OneDrive. The Support Center can help anyone who needs to store files that do not synchronize with OneDrive; however, these other folders do not have the redundancy and protection provided through OneDrive or any of the other benefits OneDrive provides.
Once everything is synchronized, you can then access your files from almost any internet-connected device without the need to connect through UCF’s VPN. OneDrive has apps for iPhones and Android, and you can also access OneDrive through a web browser. Sharing and collaborating a file or folder no longer requires emailing back and forth or using a file share.
Classrooms and Labs
At this time, the changes above will not be applied to any classroom or teaching computer lab computer. Accessing OneDrive from a classroom computer is still possible through a web browser. OneDrive is an excellent alternative to a USB drive and having to keep track of where the latest version of a lecture or presentation might be.
Resources for Learning More about OneDrive
- UCF IT OneDrive for Business Frequently Asked Questions
- UCF IT OneDrive Quick Start Guide
- Microsoft OneDrive video training (Note: some of the information might not apply for how OneDrive works at UCF)
Support
Support for OneDrive is available from the UCF IT Support Center. The Support Center can help any answer any questions about OneDrive. The information may already be available through UCF IT’s extensive knowledge base that you can access from the UCF IT website.
You can reach out for support by calling 3-5117, emailing itsupport@ucf.edu, or submitting a ticket through ServiceNow from the UCF IT website at https://it.ucf.edu/.
Please reach out with any concerns.