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What is Microsoft One Drive?
Keywords:
onedrive, microsoft, storage, user, devices
Key Takeaway:
In today’s digital world, backing up
important files is crucial, and Microsoft
OneDrive offers a simple solution.
Category Insights:
BEGINNER — This article is written to be accessible for newcomers to the
topic.
A Convenient Cloud Backup or a Nuisance?
In today’s digital world, backing up important files is crucial, and Microsoft
OneDrive offers a simple solution. As a cloud backup system, OneDrive automatically syncs
your documents, photos, music, and even your desktop to the cloud, ensuring that your data
is safe from accidental loss or hardware failure.
Some people like OneDrive and
some don't. We discuss both sides.
How OneDrive Works
OneDrive runs periodically in the background, especially when you turn
on your computer. It secures your files with 256-bit AES encryption before sending them to
Microsoft’s cloud servers using TLS when the data is transmitted. This provides strong a
layer of security for your personal or work-related data. The automated backup process helps
users avoid the hassle of manually saving their files to external storage
devices.
One of the advantages is that if your computer dies or is stolen, you can login to OneDrive
from another computer to access or restore your files. You also have the ability to share
your OneDrive files with family members or coworkers.
The OneDrive software is included on all Windows based computers and runs by default.
However, the software doesn't create backups unless the user enables it to do so. If
enabled, the backups may occur in the background whenever the user is signed into the
Microsoft account.
If you don't want OneDrive, it can be uninstalled from the control panel like any other
software. Removing the software may even increase your devices performance.
NOTE:If you have Windows 10 and want another year of free security updates.
OneDrive must be enabled and used with an active Microsoft account.
OneDrive Pricing Tiers
Microsoft offers several pricing plans for OneDrive, catering to
different user needs:
- Free Plan: 5GB of storage at no cost.
- OneDrive Standalone (100GB): $1.99 per month.
- Microsoft 365 Personal: $6.99 per month, includes 1TB of storage and
access to Office apps.
- Microsoft 365 Family: $9.99 per month, includes 6TB (1TB per user, up
to 6 users) and Office apps.
- Business Plans: Various options starting at $5 per user per month,
offering additional storage and business-centric features.
Reasons to Like OneDrive
OneDrive has gained a loyal following due to its ease of use and
affordability. Here’s why many users appreciate it:
- Simple and User-Friendly: OneDrive seamlessly integrates with Windows,
making it easy for users to back up and access their files across multiple
devices.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to other cloud storage options, OneDrive
offers competitive pricing, and many users get it bundled with Microsoft 365
subscriptions,
making it an excellent value.
- The OneDrive infrastructure has never been breached. However, some
individual Microsoft accounts have been exploited via weak passwords and by social
engineering tactics.
- It can be a good choice for beginners who don't need a lot of
features.
Reasons to Dislike OneDrive
Despite its advantages, OneDrive isn’t without its critics. Some users
find it frustrating due to the following reasons:
- Can Slow Down Older Computers: Since OneDrive runs in the background,
it can consume system resources, causing performance issues on aging devices. OneDrive
must scan your folders to locate any new or changed files so they can be backed up. This
creates additional overhead on your device.
- Limited Features: While OneDrive covers basic cloud storage
needs, it lacks the advanced features that some power users desire.
- Inability to Exclude: OneDrive lacks the ability to exclude
folders or individual files. This may be a deal killer for some users.
- No deduplication: OneDrive lacks the ability to discover
duplicate files and only back them up once. This consumes extra space on your backup
account.
- No direct ability to backup a network folder: OneDrive lacks the
native ability to include a folder on a NAS drive or a server. However there is a
workaround by using a symbolic link.
- Sync can get confused: if you have a LOT of files, the backup
process can become confused and stop working. This can sometimes create a mess of your
backup that must be manually reviewed and corrected.
- Trust Issues with Microsoft: Privacy-conscious users worry about
storing sensitive information on Microsoft’s servers, fearing potential data access by
the company or unauthorized parties. Microsoft claims that very few Microsoft employees
actually know the encryption algorithm.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft OneDrive is a great option for those looking for an easy and
affordable way to back up their files. However, users with older computers, advanced
storage needs, or privacy concerns may want to explore other cloud storage
alternatives. Whether you love it or hate it, OneDrive remains a significant player
in the cloud storage market, helping millions of users safeguard their digital
lives.