What is Microsoft One Drive?

A Convenient Cloud Backup or a Nusiance?

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.
• It can be a good choice for beginners who don't need a lot of features.
• The OneDrive infrastructure has never been breached. However, some individual Microsoft accounts have been exploited via weak passwords and by social engineering tactics.

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 employess actually know the enncryption 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.

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