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How to copy a file or folder to OneDrive - [Windows & Mac]

This article contains information on how to transfer content from a computer and/or network drive to OneDrive.

How to copy a file or folder to OneDrive

Important Reminder: In order to access the UW-Parkside network drive(s) from off campus, you'll need to be connected to VPN: https://kb.uwp.edu/90847.

How to copy a file/folder to OneDrive via Windows File Explorer

Step 1: Open OneDrive on your Computer

  1. Open the Start menu and search for OneDrive.

        Screenshot image of Windows start menus search box containing keyword OneDrive. The image has a red arrow pointing toward the "Open" option.

       If prompted, sign in with your UW-Parkside Username and Password.

Step 2: Open File Explorer

  1. Click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar or press Windows + E on your keyboard.

    Screenshot image of the windows file explorer folder icon

  2. Locate the file or folder you wish to move. 
    Note: The UW-Parkside H:\ drive will be used for example purposes.

    screenshot image of windows file explorer icons

Step 3: Move the File or Folder to OneDrive via "Drag and Drop"

  1. Click and drag the file or folder from its current location and drop it into the OneDrive folder. Alternatively, you can right-click the file or folder, select Copy (or press Ctrl + C), then right-click in the OneDrive folder and select Paste (or press Ctrl + V). 

    screenshot image of windows file explorer folder

Step 4: Verify the Upload

  1. After moving the file or folder, you should see a syncing icon (two arrows) on the OneDrive folder or file. Once the sync is complete, a green circle with a check mark will appear. 

    screenshot image of onedrive file sync green check icon

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How to copy a file/folder to OneDrive via Finder on a Mac

Step 1: Open OneDrive on your Mac

  1. Click the Search icon and look for OneDrive.

        Click the Search icon (magnifying glass) at the top of the screen and search for OneDrive. Log in with your UWP credentials, if asked.

       If prompted, sign in with your UW-Parkside Username and Password. 

Step 2: Open the Finder

  1. With the OneDrive folder open, type Command + N or (click File > New Finder Window) at the top of the screen to open a second Finder window.

    Open a second Finder window by pressing Command + N or by clicking File, then New Finder Window at the top of the screen.

  2. Locate the file or folder you wish to move in the new Finder window.

    USe the new Finder window to locate the file or folder you want to copy into OneDrive.

Step 3: Move the File or Folder to OneDrive via "Copy and Paste"

  1. Right-click the file or folder, select Copy, then right-click in the OneDrive folder and select Paste. Alternatively, you can click on the file or folder, press Command + C to Copy, click in the OneDrive folder and press Command + V to paste.

    Right-click the file or folder and select Copy. Then right-click in the OneDrive window and select Paste. You can also use the keyboard shortcuts for copying and pasting, which are Command + to Copy and Command + V to paste.

    Note: You can also drag-and-drop the file or folder from one window to the other, but this will only move the file(s). It will NOT make a copy of the file– it will only move where it is saved.

Step 4: Verify the Upload

  1. After moving the file or folder, you should see a syncing icon (two arrows) on the OneDrive folder or file. Once the sync is complete, this icon will disappear. You can double-check that your file has been synced by opening OneDrive in a browser or your mobile to device to check if the new file/folder appears there.

    The syncing icon will appear to the right of the file or folder name as it syncs. It will disappear once the file is finished copying.

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Keywords:
onedrive, file, folder, explorer, network, drive, microsoft, O365, mac, windows, finder 
Doc ID:
148206
Owned by:
Linda W. in UW Parkside
Created:
2025-02-10
Updated:
2025-02-13
Sites:
UW Parkside
Campus Technology Services