Save your files and photos to OneDrive and access them from any device, anywhere
Microsoft's cloud storage service integrated with Microsoft 365. Trustpilot: 1.8/5 from 32 reviews - users report files being deleted, sync failures, and poor support. Included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, providing 1TB storage per user with Office apps.
Patterns extracted from real user feedback — not raw reviews.
Since June 2024, OneDrive sync clients for Windows and Mac have had a severe bug where shared folders vanish from local drives and are replaced with web shortcuts. Microsoft has seemingly ignored the problem for nearly a year despite widespread complaints. Files that users depend on for daily work simply disappear.
When multiple users edit files simultaneously or when sync is interrupted, OneDrive creates conflict copies rather than merging changes. Users end up with multiple versions named 'filename (conflict copy)' and must manually reconcile changes. Real-time collaboration doesn't always work as expected.
Microsoft introduced a new sharing model requiring sign-in to download folders. Previously, anyone with a view-only link could download without signing in. Old links created before 2025 now show 'folder doesn't exist' errors. Users' shared link workflows were disrupted without adequate warning.
Users report being unable to hide, remove, or stop sharing files that appear in their Shared tab. Files shared with you by others clutter your view with no way to remove them. You also cannot report spam shared files. Microsoft's sharing UI gives recipients too little control.
When sharing a folder, the total number of items contained within it and its subfolders is limited to 50,000. Large project folders cannot be shared as a unit. Users must split content across multiple folders or share individual files, breaking workflows.
OneDrive syncing is notoriously slow, especially when tracking many files. Users report the client makes Windows Explorer sluggish and unresponsive. Large files and SharePoint sites exacerbate the problem. Some users wait hours for routine syncs to complete. Microsoft's advice is essentially 'have fewer files.'
OneDrive's free tier offers just 5GB, compared to Google Drive's 15GB. The free storage fills up quickly, forcing upgrades. Microsoft clearly positions the free tier as a trial to push users toward Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Microsoft announced retirement of standalone OneDrive for Business Plan 1 and Plan 2, pushing users toward more expensive Microsoft 365 bundles. Users who only need storage are forced to pay for Office apps they may not need.
1TB included with Microsoft 365 - excellent value bundle
Microsoft 365 Personal ($6.99/month) includes 1TB OneDrive storage PLUS full Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). For users who need Office, this is significantly better value than buying storage separately from other providers.
Seamless integration with Windows and Office apps
OneDrive is built into Windows 10/11 and deeply integrated with Office applications. Save to OneDrive directly from Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Real-time co-authoring in Office documents works best with OneDrive.
Family plan offers 6TB for up to 6 people
Microsoft 365 Family at $9.99/month provides 1TB per person for up to 6 family members (6TB total). Each person gets their own private storage. One of the best value propositions for families.
Personal Vault for sensitive files
Personal Vault is a protected area requiring additional authentication (fingerprint, PIN, or two-factor). Files stored here get extra security. Automatically locks after inactivity. Useful for storing sensitive documents.
Files On-Demand saves local disk space
Files On-Demand shows all cloud files in Explorer without downloading them. Files download only when accessed. Saves significant local storage while keeping everything visible and accessible.
Users: 1 user
Storage: 5GB
Limitations: 5GB fills quickly, no Office apps, limited features
Users: 1 user
Storage: 100GB
Limitations: Storage only, no productivity apps
Users: 1 user
Storage: 1TB
Limitations: Single user only
Users: Up to 6 users
Storage: 1TB per user (6TB total)
Limitations: Storage is per-user, not pooled
Users: Per user
Storage: 1TB
Limitations: Web apps only, being phased out
Users: Per user
Storage: 1TB
Limitations: Web and mobile apps only
Users: Per user
Storage: 1TB
Limitations: Need Business Premium for advanced security
Microsoft 365 subscribers
If you're already paying for Microsoft 365, you get 1TB OneDrive included. Using OneDrive maximizes the value of your subscription and provides seamless Office integration.
Windows-heavy organizations
OneDrive's deep Windows integration, Active Directory support, and SharePoint connectivity make it natural for Windows-centric enterprises. IT admins have strong management controls.
Microsoft 365 organizations
Included with Microsoft 365 - no extra cost. Deep Office integration, SharePoint backend. Makes sense if already paying for M365.
Mac-primary users
OneDrive works on Mac but the sync client has been problematic. iCloud Drive provides better macOS integration. OneDrive is acceptable if you need Office integration.
Engineering teams
Works for file storage but Git handles code. OneDrive mainly useful for sharing documents and assets with non-technical stakeholders.
Cross-platform teams
Works on Mac/iOS but Windows-optimized. Cross-platform teams report sync issues on non-Windows devices.
Users needing reliable sync for critical files
OneDrive's 10-month unfixed sync bug where shared folders disappear makes it risky for critical workflows. The slow sync speeds and conflict issues compound the reliability concerns.
Linux users
No official Linux client exists. Third-party tools like rclone can work but lack the seamless integration. Google Drive or Dropbox are better choices for Linux.
Free tier only users
5GB free storage is stingy compared to Google Drive's 15GB. If you don't plan to subscribe to Microsoft 365, Google Drive offers more free storage and doesn't push you toward a bundle.
Common buyer's remorse scenarios reported by users.
Users discovered shared folders vanished due to the June 2024 sync bug. Files they relied on for daily work became inaccessible. Microsoft's slow response left users scrambling for workarounds.
After using OneDrive for team collaboration, users find folders full of 'conflict copy' duplicates. Sorting through which version is correct wastes significant time. Real-time collaboration doesn't work as smoothly as expected.
Users who signed up mainly for storage realize they're paying for Office apps they don't use. Standalone OneDrive plans are being retired, forcing the bundle. Switching to another service means migrating all files.
Scenarios where this product tends to fail users.
Teams relying on OneDrive shared folders for active projects face disaster when the sync bug causes folders to disappear. No clear fix exists, and Microsoft support is unhelpful. Work grinds to a halt.
OneDrive sync becomes unusably slow when tracking many files. Users report sync taking hours and Explorer becoming unresponsive. Microsoft's advice to 'reduce files' isn't practical for many workflows.
Teams with Mac users face ongoing issues with the macOS sync client. Files don't appear, sync status is unclear, and the experience is inconsistent with Windows. Mac users become second-class citizens.
Google Drive
Users switch for better collaboration. Gain: real-time Docs editing, better sharing. Trade-off: Google ecosystem, different Office format.
Dropbox
Users switch for better sync reliability. Gain: more consistent syncing, better third-party integration. Trade-off: extra cost, no Office integration.
iCloud Drive
Apple users switch for seamless macOS and iOS integration. iCloud+ includes privacy features like Private Relay. Better experience in the Apple ecosystem.
Box
Enterprise users switch for Box's focus on security, compliance, and workflow automation. Better suited for regulated industries and complex approval workflows.
Sync.com
Privacy-focused users switch for zero-knowledge encryption. Canadian jurisdiction and true end-to-end encryption address Microsoft's ability to access files.
iCloud
Apple users switch for native integration. Gain: seamless Apple sync, cheaper. Trade-off: Apple ecosystem only.
