Microsoft has announced a major redesign of its cloud storage service, OneDrive, that will roll out to all users by the end of February 2024. The new design aims to make OneDrive more intuitive, personalized, and intelligent, with features such as fast file organization, AI Copilot integration, and offline file access. The redesign also promises to improve the collaboration and sharing experience for users, especially in the context of remote work and online meetings.
The New Design and Features of OneDrive
One of the main goals of the OneDrive redesign is to help users organize and access their files faster and easier. Some of the new features that enable this are:
Fast File Organization
Users can now drag and drop files and folders to quickly move, copy, or delete them. They can also use keyboard shortcuts and right-click menus to perform common actions such as rename, share, or download. Additionally, users can create and edit metadata tags for their files, such as date, location, or project, to make them more searchable and sortable.
Personalized File Views
Users can now customize how they view their files in OneDrive, such as choosing between list, grid, or photo view, or adjusting the size and layout of the thumbnails. They can also apply filters, sort options, and groupings to their files, such as by type, size, or date modified. Moreover, users can pin their favorite or frequently used files and folders to the top of their OneDrive for quick access.
AI Copilot Integration
Users can now leverage the power of AI Copilot, Microsoft’s AI companion, to enhance their OneDrive experience. AI Copilot can help users with tasks such as creating summaries, captions, or tags for their files, generating content such as poems, stories, or code, or answering questions and providing information. Users can also chat with AI Copilot and ask for suggestions, feedback, or assistance.
Enhanced Sharing Experience
Users can now share their files and folders more easily and securely with others, both within and outside their organization. They can use the new share menu to choose the recipients, permissions, and expiration date of their shared links. They can also see who has access to their shared files and folders, and manage or revoke their access at any time. Furthermore, users can see the activity and comments on their shared files and folders, and reply or react to them.
Offline File Access
Users can now access their OneDrive files and folders even when they are offline, by marking them as “always keep on this device”. This feature allows users to work on their files without an internet connection, and sync them automatically when they are online. This feature also helps users save bandwidth and storage space, by only downloading the files they need.
What Users Can Expect
The OneDrive redesign is expected to bring several benefits to users, such as:
Smarter and Faster File Management
Users can expect to save time and effort in organizing and accessing their files, thanks to the new features that make OneDrive more user-friendly and customizable. Users can also expect to find their files more easily and efficiently, thanks to the improved search and metadata capabilities.
Improved Collaboration with Teams and Meetings
Users can expect to collaborate better with their colleagues and partners, thanks to the new features that make OneDrive more integrated and interactive. Users can also expect to enhance their online meetings and presentations, thanks to the new features that make OneDrive more compatible and seamless with Microsoft Teams and PowerPoint.
Simplified File Sharing
Users can expect to share their files and folders more conveniently and confidently, thanks to the new features that make OneDrive more flexible and secure. Users can also expect to communicate and engage more effectively with their recipients, thanks to the new features that make OneDrive more social and responsive.
Source: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-onedrive-blog/new-year-new-look-for-onedrive-for-personal-use/ba-p/4039162
