OneDrive
OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage, tightly integrated into Windows and Office, and included in Microsoft 365.
OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage, deeply integrated into Windows and Microsoft 365. It replaces local folders and file attachments: documents reside in the cloud and sync across all devices. SharePoint is used for team storage, while OneDrive covers personal files.
In everyday use, you automatically back up your desktop, share Word and Excel files via link instead of attachment, and collaborate with colleagues on the same document simultaneously. Its strength lies in its integration: Office saves directly to OneDrive, and version history and recovery run seamlessly in the background. 5 GB are free, and Microsoft 365 subscriptions include 1 TB per user; all of this also works on Mac, just less smoothly.
Google Drive is the browser-centric alternative and more pleasant for purely web-based work; Dropbox often syncs large files more reliably. OneDrive occasionally causes frustration with sync conflicts, and the distinction from SharePoint regularly confuses beginners.
Ideal for anyone already using Microsoft 365: The storage is already included. Google Workspace teams should stick with Drive.
Functions
- Windows and Office integration out of the box, no additional installation required
- 1 TB storage per user with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, 5 GB free
- Files On-Demand: Files only take up local space when opened
- Personal Vault with additional verification for sensitive files
- Ransomware detection with file recovery
Core Functions
- Cloud storage with synchronization for Windows, macOS, and mobile devices
- File sharing via link with expiration date and password protection
- Simultaneous editing of Office documents
- Automatic backup of desktop, documents, and images
- Version history and recovery of deleted files
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OneDrive

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