Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud-based storage tool that enables Biola faculty and staff to store files, photos, and other documents online and access them with their Biola-managed computer. The OneDrive computer client is the preferred backup solution for Biola-owned devices and will replace the Crashplan backup system in most use cases. 

Key Features

• OneDrive will be an integral part of Biola’s computer data protection, retention, and support strategy --- IT will automatically install and configure Biola-owned computers to back up to OneDrive. It is not possible to opt out of using OneDrive.
• OneDrive will facilitate friction-free computer replacements and repairs (zero-touch deployments). 
• IT will roll out OneDrive to Windows Mac devices first. iPad access will happen later in the summer. Mac computers and iPads with out-of-date operating systems may not receive the OneDrive client.
• OneDrive will save storage space on computers with a feature called Files On Demand. Files One Demand enables OneDrive to move computer data to the Microsoft cloud, making that data seamlessly available when the device is connected to the internet. If files or folders are needed when offline, users can easily configure OneDrive to keep the file on the computer.

Additional Features

• Cost Effective: As an application included in Biola’s Microsoft subscription, OneDrive storage is cost-effective for Biola. 
• Data Security: OneDrive provides enterprise-grade security features, such as data encryption, two-factor authentication, and data loss prevention.
• Access to files from anywhere: With OneDrive, users can access their files from any Biola-managed device with an internet connection.
• Zero-touch computer replacements: OneDrive facilitates easy computer replacements by ensuring computer files are always in the cloud and easily accessed with the OneDrive client from any Biola-managed computer. Need a new computer -- simply sign into OneDrive on the new device, and your files will be instantly available, right where you left them.
• Automatic backup: Biola IT has configured OneDrive to automatically backup files on the desktop, document, and picture folders from employee computers, ensuring that important files are always backed up and protected. On computers using Microsoft Azure SSO for authentication, you won’t need to sign in to OneDrive to start the backup.
• Integration with Microsoft Office: OneDrive is tightly integrated with Microsoft Office, allowing users to open and edit Office documents on their computer or directly in the cloud.
• Syncing across devices: OneDrive syncs files across all Biola-managed devices, ensuring that the latest version of a file is always available on all devices.
• Large storage capacity: OneDrive provides ample storage capacity, allowing users to store large files and folders.
• Version control: OneDrive keeps track of different versions of files, allowing users to access and restore previous versions if needed.
• Mobile access: OneDrive can be accessed on Biola-managed mobile devices, making it easy to view and edit files on the go.
• Frees up storage on your local computer: By default, files are moved to OneDrive and not kept on the computer. Most files can be opened and modified on a computer using OneDrive without ever being downloaded. Alternatively, you can ensure that your files are always available on your computer by making the file or folder always available.

OneDrive How-To's and FAQs

Sign-in:

• Windows: Windows computers automatically authenticate with the user's computer credentials.
• Mac: Most Mac users will need to manually sign in with their Microsoft Azure email and password.
• OneDrive Cloud: Navigate to OneDrive in a web browser and sign in with your Biola email and password.

Check the status of your backup:

• Windows: Hover over the OneDrive icon in the lower right corner of your screen. If your computer is not backed up, you may need to sign in again.

• Mac: Hover over the OneDrive icon in the upper right corner of your screen. If your computer is not backed up, you may need to sign in.

Restore a previous version of a file from OneDrive:

• Use Microsoft’s directions for restoring a previous version of a file. 

Can I back up my personal computer to OneDrive?

• Faculty, staff, and student workers can back up computer data on Biola-managed devices. Students can use OneDrive in the cloud to store data until they graduate.

Can I back up folders or files outside of my desktop, documents, or pictures? 

• No, it is not possible to back up files outside of the desktop, documents, or pictures folders. Do not keep important files outside of these three folders.

Are my OneDrive files available when I don’t have an internet connection?

• Not by default. If you need to access a file or folder while offline, right-click (on Windows) or ctrl-click (on a Mac) and select “Always keep on this device”. Remember that your computer only has 25% of the maximum storage capacity of your OneDrive account. Don’t fill up your computer’s drive unnecessarily. Keep your files in the cloud when possible.

What happens if I accidentally delete a file in OneDrive cloud or on a device backing up with OneDrive?

• Deleted files are still available for 30 days. To retrieve it, go to the OneDrive cloud, Open the Recycle Bin, and restore the file or folder.