Can I access my OneDrive on another computer?

Cloud storage allows users to store data online; data on the cloud saves space on your devices. Cloud storage technologies like Microsoft OneDrive allow users to access and synchronize data across multiple devices— which share an instance of the same data.

In the guide below, I have illustrated the steps needed to access your OneDrive personal (or business) account on another computer:

  1. Click the OneDrive icon
  2. Select “Help & Settings”
  3. In the menu, select “Settings”
  4. Navigate to the “Account” tab
  5. Click “Add account”

The steps will work regardless of your account type. Business and personal accounts will work fine.

Although you’re most familiar with OneDrive for desktop devices, a mobile application also exists; you can use the OneDrive mobile app on iOS and Android. Fortunately, I’ll be covering the Desktop and mobile app in this post. I will address each platform with a well-crafted and comprehensive step-by-step guide.

If you have an existing Microsoft account, it may also operate as a OneDrive account. Try signing in before creating a whole new account!

The following list details this post’s topics; select the topic most applicable to you to access relevant content quickly.

  1. How to set up OneDrive for Windows
  2. How to add an additional account to a OneDrive installation
  3. How to access OneDrive on mobile (iOS)
  4. How to access OneDrive on mobile (Android)
  5. Blog post recap

How to set up OneDrive for Windows on another computer

Microsoft OneDrive is available free of charge: you can download the application online via Microsoft’s site. Alternatively, you can use the Microsoft Store (preinstalled with WIndows).

Step 1 — Download OneDrive

As one would expect (being that Microsoft owns OneDrive), you can find a download link on microsoft.com. When you reach the page, hit the “Download” button. If prompted, save the file somewhere accessible, like your Downloads folder or your Desktop.

Step 2 — Run OneDrive’s installer

After the download has been completed, open the file’s location, and identify the file. Left-click the file twice in succession to open/run it.

Step 3 — Sign in

Having opened OneDrive for the first time, you’ll be prompted to enter your account’s credentials. Ensure you know your email and account password— 2FA/MFA users will also require their respective devices.

Step 4 — Optional settings

During the setup process, you will be allowed to back up important folders: the DocumentsPictures, and Desktop folders.

Step 5 — Skip or read tips

The setup process is mostly complete, though The application will display several tips before the process is technically concluded. Although you do not need to read the tips, newer users may find them helpful.

How to add an additional account to a OneDrive installation

Although you may have signed into one OneDrive account, you may also sign into another. At this time, OneDrive supports using several OneDrive (business or personal) accounts on one device.

Step 1 — Access OneDrive’s help menu

Find the OneDrive icon in your taskbar and select it. The OneDrive icon resembles a puffy cloud. OneDrive business users will notice a blue cloud; however, OneDrive personal users will see a white cloud. In the resulting tool, click “Help & Settings.”

Step 2 — Open OneDrive’s settings

Do you see the dropdown shown below? Great, you’ve been following along fine. Find and select the “Settings” option— this will create a new window.

Step 3 — Add an account in the Account tab

At the top of the window sits the tab bar containing the “Account” tab. Head to the Account tab and select “Add an account—” this will initiate a sign-in process via an external window.

Step 4 — Sign in to the account

Now, all that’s left is signing in. Have your accounts’ credentials ready— this includes your email, password, and (if you have them) any MFA associated devices.

How to access OneDrive on mobile (iOS)

The OneDrive application on Apple’s Appstore supports multiple accounts, hence you can use one device to access several OneDrive drives with minimal delay.

Step 1 — Download OneDrive from the Appstore

If you’re using an iOS device, you must obtain third-party applications, such as Microsoft OneDrive, from the Apple Appstore. I have provided a link you can use here. When you spot “Microsoft OneDrive,” tap the install button.

Step 2 — Allow the app to download and install

You will need to wait until your device downloads and installs the application before opening it. Applications will download faster when you use a fast network with minimal interference; however, your application’s install speed will depend on your device’s processing power and available system resources.

You can use other applications or lock your device while waiting— just keep the Appstore open in the background.

Step 3 — Open the application

Return to the home screen and find the newly installed OneDrive app. Tap the app to open it. If you cannot find your app, swipe right until you reach the app library, then swipe up to begin searching. Lastly, search for “OneDrive.”

Step 4 — Sign in to your account

When you open OneDrive for the first time, you will be required to create a Microsoft account or sign in to an existing one. You will need to know your account’s email and password to sign in. If you’re an MFA (multi-factor-authenticationuser, you will need the additional device you set up MFA with.

If you haven’t used a Microsoft service before, you may find it helpful to know that creating an account is free. However, you will require a valid email address you can access.

Step 5 — Access your documents

Once signed in, you’ll be on OneDrive’s home page. You should spot some of your documents in the “Recent files” list; you can use the search bar above the list to find a specific file or folder quickly.

How to access OneDrive on mobile (Android)

Although OneDrive for Android devices does not support the use of multiple accounts, the app is still a viable means to access your OneDrive account and its content.

Step 1 — Download OneDrive from the Google Play Store

Android devices have access to several app stores— this is a direct result of third-party apps being more accessible. However, we recommend using the Google Play Store for convenience; it’s free and typically preinstalled. You can find the app under “Microsoft OneDrive” with a single search.

Step 2 — Wait for the app to download and install

You will need to wait for the download and installation to complete. Although you can use other applications while you wait, doing so may slow down the process.

Step 3 — Open the application

Return to your home screen. You should spot your freshly installed application. You can open the app by tapping its respective icon.

Step 4 — Sign in

When you open OneDrive for the first time, you will be required to create a Microsoft account or sign in to an existing one. You will need to know your account’s email and password to sign in. If you’re an MFA (multi-factor-authenticationuser, you will need the additional device you set up MFA with.

Blog post recap

Microsoft OneDrive can easily be accessed on other devices; you only need your account’s credentials and an installation of the application. OneDrive is available for free on desktop and mobile.

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Jack Mitchell

Jack Mitchell has been the Operations manager at telecoms and MSP Optionbox for more than 4 years. He has played a crucial role in the company, from marketing to helpdesk, and ensures that the IT requirements of over 300 clients are continuously met. With his innate passion for technology and troubleshooting and a particular interest in Apple products, Jack now delivers the most comprehensive tech guides to make your life easier. You can connect with Jack on LinkedIn.

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