Hands-On Windows 122: OneDrive Updates in 24H2

Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
Host: Leo Laporte
Release Date: January 9, 2025
Episode Overview:
In this episode of Hands-On Windows, Leo Laporte delves deep into the latest updates to OneDrive within the Windows 11 24H2 update. He explores the integration of OneDrive into the Windows ecosystem, discusses new features, pricing plans, user customization options, and addresses common user concerns regarding Microsoft's push for cloud synchronization.

1. Introduction to OneDrive in Windows 11 24H2

Leo begins by setting the stage for the discussion, emphasizing the increased integration of OneDrive in the latest Windows update. He references the ongoing push by Microsoft to implement folder backups, highlighting user resistance and the necessity to revisit OneDrive's functionalities.

• Quote:
  "OneDrive experience is so central to Windows 11."
  (00:17)

2. OneDrive Storage and Pricing Plans

Leo provides a comprehensive overview of OneDrive's storage offerings and pricing structures:

• Free Tier:

  • Storage: 5 GB
  • Availability: Included with a Microsoft Account

• Microsoft 365 Basic:

  • Cost: $2/month or $19.99/year (US)
  • Storage: 100 GB
  • Target Audience: Individual users

• Microsoft 365 Family and Personal Plans:

  • Storage: 1 TB per user
  • Family Plan: 6 users totaling 6 TB
  • Cost Savings: Annual payments save approximately $20

• Additional Storage:

  • Current Offering: 200 GB/month
  • Future Plans: Anticipated expansion to 2 TB and higher tiers

• Quote:
  "The cheapest is Microsoft 365 Basic at $2 a month for 100 gigabytes of cloud storage."
  (02:30)

3. OneDrive Integration and Folder Backup

OneDrive's integration is particularly prominent during the Windows setup process, especially in Windows 11 Home:

• Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE):

  • Default Behavior: Automatically syncs Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to the cloud
  • Windows 11 Pro: Offers an opt-out option during setup

• Customization Limitations:

  • Additional Folders: Users can add Music and Videos but cannot add arbitrary folders
  • User Workarounds: Leo discusses using local accounts to bypass forced synchronization

• Quote:
  "By default, Microsoft will sync three of your folders—Desktop, Documents, and Pictures—with the cloud."
  (03:15)

4. Managing OneDrive Settings and Synchronization

Leo navigates through the OneDrive settings to illustrate management options:

• Accessing Settings:

  • Location: OneDrive icon in the system tray
  • Key Features: Manage Backup, Notifications, Account Linking

• Backup Management:

  • Functionality: Enables or disables synchronization of predefined folders
  • User Experience: Leo has disabled default backups and opted for personal folder synchronization

• Files On-Demand:

  • Feature: Allows users to designate files or folders to always be available offline or online-only
  • Customization: Users can specify which files are stored locally to manage disk space

• Quote:
  "You can customize what you see here. If I wanted to hide, say, the Desktop and the Pictures folders, I could just uncheck those."
  (05:10)

5. OneDrive Notifications and User Experience

Leo addresses the various notifications OneDrive presents and how they impact user experience:

• Types of Notifications:

  • Backup Prompts: Encourages users to back up folders to OneDrive
  • Photo Memories: Alerts about photos from previous years
  • Auto-Save Suggestions: Prompts to save Office documents to OneDrive for autosave functionality

• User Preferences:

  • Leo opts to disable certain notifications to reduce interruptions while retaining essential alerts

• Quote:
  "Don't turn off all notifications for OneDrive. Just turn off the one you want. You do want some notifications for something as core system."
  (06:00)

6. Sharing and Collaboration Features

OneDrive's sharing capabilities have been enhanced, providing a more streamlined experience:

• Unique Share Experience:

  • Functionality: Allows sharing directly through OneDrive with customizable permissions
  • Traditional Sharing Option: Accessible via a secondary option for users preferring the classic method

• Integration with Applications:

  • Example: Sharing folders or files directly from the File Explorer integrates seamlessly with Microsoft applications like Paint for editing

• Quote:
  "You get that unique OneDrive share experience that's separate from the traditional one. You can go back and get the traditional one right by that middle option."
  (10:45)

7. OneDrive’s Role in Microsoft 365 Integration

Leo highlights the synergy between OneDrive and Microsoft 365 applications:

• AutoSave Feature:

  • Benefit: Enables real-time saving and collaboration across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Default Behavior: Microsoft 365 apps default to saving documents on OneDrive for enhanced functionality

• User Adjustments:

  • Leo configures his Office apps to save locally, reducing reliance on OneDrive and minimizing interruptions

• Quote:
  "If you save them to OneDrive, which is the default, you get that autosave capability, which absolutely is useful."
  (14:30)

8. Balancing Convenience and Control

The episode concludes with Leo's reflections on the balance between leveraging OneDrive's robust features and maintaining user autonomy:

• Pros of Using OneDrive:

  • Reliability and Speed: Consistently reliable with fast synchronization
  • Versatility: Suitable for backing up various types of files and integrating with daily workflows

• Cons and User Challenges:

  • Forced Synchronization: Microsoft's default settings may not align with all user preferences
  • Intrusive Notifications: Can disrupt the user experience if not managed properly

• Leo’s Recommendation:

  • For Compatible Users: Embrace OneDrive's defaults for optimal performance
  • For Customization Seekers: Utilize local accounts or specific settings to tailor the OneDrive experience without succumbing to persistent prompts

• Quote:
  "OneDrive is incredibly useful. It can be incredibly annoying, especially if you don't use it the way you want to use it or the way Microsoft wants you to use it."
  (15:50)

Conclusion

Leo Laporte provides a balanced examination of OneDrive's evolution within Windows 11 24H2, acknowledging its integral role in the Microsoft ecosystem while also addressing the friction points users may encounter. Through practical insights and firsthand experiences, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage and customize OneDrive to suit their individual needs.

Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and non-content-related sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions about OneDrive and its integration into Windows 11.