There is no hesitation in saying that Microsoft tries to refresh the user experience in whatever service they provide. Among them, we have seen extreme integration between Office suites. However, these are useful things that everyone offers. In 2007, Microsoft launched a cloud-based storage service called OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive).
Undoubtedly, Microsoft OneDrive offers faster, more organized, and more straightforward navigation. But if we look at today’s requirements, OneDrive needs more optimization to meet the deviation. Keeping that in mind, Microsoft announced on Tuesday a new design for OneDrive’s website to offer a more organized, faster, and easier way to use it. So let’s take a look at the entire announcement.
Microsoft Redesigns OneDrive on the Web with New Features
Google Drive’s inspiration, “OneDrive,” never considered downgrading or compromising user experience. If you look at the initial version, it is already equipped with effortless collaboration, easy file sharing, up to 5GB of free space, and upgradable with affordable pricing. And apart from the most important aspect, “security,” it seems reliable as it has had millions of users’ trust for years.
I mean, OneDrive is a complete package to try. While such services support technology, they need to be optimized to improve the user experience. Everyone needs to understand market trends and upgrade accordingly. Similar things were happening with OneDrive’s web version. For that need, Microsoft is redesigning its web interface. So let’s see what exactly has changed.
All New OneDrive Home
Compared to the previous design, the major change is on the ‘for your page. The best part is that this “For You” AI-powered page is available for OneDrive Work and School users. The “For You” page uses AI recommendations to suggest time-sensitive and personalized files to users. So ultimately, they do not have to worry about finding the file they have been working on recently. This new home page addition saves time. This one will also be available later this year, similar to some features.
We mentioned in the introductory paragraph that OneDrive offers effortless collaboration options. In the past, people have had difficulty viewing the shared information they really want to see in these collaboration features. Microsoft addresses this problem with the “New Shared Page,” where people can see all shared files in one place.
Rebuilt Sharing Dialog
To improve the user experience, OneDrive users will get a new sharing dialog box. We all know that OneDrive was previously seamlessly shared throughout Microsoft 365. But earlier, the issue was that the sharing box was so cluttered that users would experience navigation problems. In the new design, OneDrive web will get a cleaner look with the improved copy link feature. This feature will appear on OneDrive later this year.
class="wp-block-heading">Supports offline file usage
Later this year, OneDrive will support working with offline files, even with the web version. Previously, you couldn’t edit or change any file without internet access. But with the new OneDrive web design, you’ll get an option called “Available when offline.” This option will allow you to work on your files offline and update the work whenever you are online.
Customized folder colors
Before this announcement, people requested customization, which was impossible earlier. Microsoft acknowledged that need and added new support. Later this year, OneDrive users can change folder colors however they want. Following this, you will see your favorite content and locate it in the assigned folder color.
Filter your files by file type.
In OneDrive, users usually miss a feature that comes with Microsoft 365. Because of the plethora of files, they don’t have the option to view a dedicated file type. Microsoft added a “Filter by file type” option to OneDrive to add more functionality. So you won’t have to spend time hunting for your desired file. Click on the filter option in the recent files section and choose by file type and select the file type of which you want files.
Open non-Office files in-app
Previously, you had to open another window to open non-Office files. But with the newly designed OneDrive, you can open non-Office files within that window. Non-Office files mean. PDF, .JPEG, .MP4, and more. You should note that this is mentioned in the proposal plan and is not yet available in OneDrive, SharePoint Web, and Microsoft Teams. This feature will be available later this year.
Apart from these major changes, the OneDrive website offers the option to create file shortcuts and make favorites. Note here that creating file shortcuts will be available later this year, but make files your favorite this month. Furthermore, there are a few dedicated view pages, such as Meeting view (for all files shared during meetings) and People view (to view the list of people collaborated with), and these will also come later this year. Also, remember that the Microsoft Teams Files app can view all the above features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. The web version of OneDrive means you don’t need any app to use OneDrive’s extreme. All you need to do is visit their website.
Ans. OneDrive has made many improvements in the past few years, and you can see above what they intend to do.
Ans. Ideally, it works perfectly when online, but with the newly designed OneDrive web, you can also use it offline.
Ans. You can use the “Save to OneDrive” Chrome extension, which allows users to use OneDrive from Chrome too.
