File Storage: How to manage OneDrive Backup on your Mac

Microsoft's OneDrive file syncing software allows for the Desktop and Documents folders on your macOS device to automatically back up to your secure OneDrive folder in Office 365. Having these files in OneDrive enables you to easily access them from any device with an Internet connection, including classroom computers, mobile devices, and loaner laptops (should you ever need to have your device repaired, etc.).

ITS has begun to enable OneDrive Backup on all primary-use St. Thomas faculty and staff devices. Faculty and staff are advised to use OneDrive Backup only on institutionally-owned devices.

The instructions below reflect the experience of configuring OneDrive Backup on St. Thomas macOS devices. Students using personal devices can use this article as a guide but may want to consult Microsoft's documentation here.

How to enable OneDrive Backup on a St. Thomas macOS device

1. Click on the OneDrive cloud icon in the top menu bar, then the gear icon, then Preferences.
   
   
   
    
2. In the window that appears, choose the "Backup" tab, then "Manage backup."
   
   
   
    
3. Select Desktop and Documents (or whatever combination you wish to back up), and click "Start backup."
   
   
   
    
4. You receive the following confirmation. You may click "View sync progress" or close the window at your discretion.
   
    

How to disable OneDrive Backup on a St. Thomas macOS device

1. Click on the OneDrive cloud icon in the top menu bar, then the gear icon, then Preferences.
   
   
   
    
2. In the window that appears, choose the "Backup" tab, then "Manage backup."
   
   
   
    
3. Click "Stop Backup" for Desktop or Documents.
   
   
   
    
4. At the prompt, confirm you wish to remove the chosen folder from OneDrive Backup by clicking, "Stop backup."
   
   
   
    
5. Click Close, and repeat steps 3 and 4 for additional folders, as desired.
   
   
   
    
6. Note that any files and folders that were previously included in OneDrive Backup are no longer accessible from Desktop/Documents. Look for the "Desktop/Documents (OneDrive - University of St. Thomas)" shortcut in each location, which will take you to the Desktop/Documents folder within your OneDrive. From there you can move content back to Desktop/Documents, if desired.