OneDrive is Microsoft’s secure cloud storage platform that allows you to save, sync, and share your files from anywhere. At KAUST, you can use OneDrive to:
OneDrive comes pre-installed on all KAUST-managed Windows devices. To launch, open the Start menu and search for “OneDrive”.
If it is not installed, download it from Microsoft’s website.
Enter your KAUST email and authenticate through Single Sign-On (SSO).
Select which folders you want to sync to your device. The default location is C:\Users\[YourName]\OneDrive – KAUST.
Look for the blue cloud icon in the system tray. Right-click it to check status, pause syncing, or adjust preferences.
OneDrive should already be installed on all KAUST-managed macOS devices. Open it from Spotlight search (⌘ + Space). If needed, download it from the Mac App Store.
Enter your KAUST email and authenticate via SSO.
The default location is /Users/[YourName]/OneDrive – KAUST. Choose which folders to sync.
Look for the blue cloud icon in your menu bar to manage your settings and sync status.
| Option | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Can view | Read-only access | Reports, policies, or final documents |
| Can edit | Full editing access | Collaborative work with team members |
| Block download | Prevents downloading | Protect sensitive or confidential content |
| Set expiration date | Access ends automatically | Short-term sharing or external partners |
| Set password | Adds extra security | External access |
| Stop sharing | Revokes all access | End of project or misuse concerns |
Whenever needed you can share files or folders with anyone with a KAUST account, you can use “People in KAUST with the link” for internal sharing. However, anyone with a KAUST account and access to the link can now access the file, so it is best to use this with Can View access to share documents with a large audience.
Create shared project folders with consistent access rights. This reduces the risk of missed permissions when collaborating.
Click “Manage Access” to see who has access and make updates when projects change.
Co-author documents in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with “edit” permissions. Use @mentions to tag collaborators and track comments.
Common issues include:
Try the following steps:
Visit the Microsoft OneDrive Help Center for more solutions.
