Microsoft introduces new features to enhance OneDrive work and school experience

Priya Walia

Onedrive Updates 2023

Microsoft 365 Business and Education customers using Entra ID can now enjoy enhanced features on the popular cloud file storage service, OneDrive.

In a recent blog post, Microsoft announced a series of new and improved features for its popular OneDrive cloud file storage service, specifically focusing on syncing capabilities. The company’s ongoing commitment to providing a seamless and secure file-sharing experience is evident in the latest updates.

A significant update has been made to address a commonly faced issue by users while using shared files. Now, when a shared file is deleted, whether by the owner or a co-worker, a new confirmation dialogue box will appear.

The notification ensures that no accidental deletions take place and informs the user that deleting the file will permanently remove it for all users. With this protective measure in place, data integrity and the availability of shared content are guaranteed, and unintentional file losses are avoided.

Another enhancement relates to managing shortcuts to shared files and folders. Previously, deleting a shortcut inadvertently erased the actual file or folder itself. However, the software giant has rectified this by modifying the behavior of file deletion.

Now, when a shortcut is deleted, only the shortcut is eliminated, leaving the original file or folder accessible to others. This minor alteration further streamlines file management and reduces the risk of unintentional data loss.

The File Explorer feature has also undergone improvements to enhance user experience. Users will now find their Recommended, Recent, and Favorites files prominently displayed on the Home page, making it easier to access frequently used documents effortlessly. Microsoft recognizes the importance of seamless file navigation and aims to simplify the process with this intuitive update.

In a forward-looking announcement, Microsoft has teased an upcoming feature called the Details panel. Scheduled to be introduced in the coming months, this panel will provide users with essential file information without the need to open the file itself.

It will include details such as thumbnails, current shared status, and more. The upcoming enhancement promises to enhance productivity, enabling users to quickly gather relevant information at a glance.

In addition to these changes, Microsoft has refined the Sync Settings menu within OneDrive. By rearranging and simplifying the interface, the most frequently used settings are now conveniently accessible on the front page.

The revised layout ensures a more user-friendly experience for adjusting sync preferences. Users in policy-controlled environments can now view and edit only applicable settings, increasing transparency.

Finally, Microsoft has revealed that a new feature will be introduced in December, enabling users to open any desktop file for editing, with changes automatically synchronized between the local and cloud versions. The addition empowers users to work seamlessly across devices while maintaining file consistency, ensuring that the latest updates are reflected in both locations.

Keep an eye out for these updates, as they will all contribute to a more efficient and convenient file-sharing process within Microsoft 365 Business and Education.