First Sign-In to OneDrive

If your computer is not signed into OneDrive already, you will need to sign in first.

• Open OneDrive.

• Log in using your Geneseo email and password, then approve the MFA prompt.

• Click Next through the default file location and "Finish Setting Up" windows.

• Allow syncing by clicking OK on the macOS permission prompt.

• Click Next through the quick feature tutorial.

• Select "Later" on the mobile app invitation.

• Open the folder at the final prompt to complete the setup.

Icon Access to OneDrive

• Locate the OneDrive cloud icon(file is online-only) in your Mac's menu bar
• Click on it
• Sign in with your university credentials if prompted

Access OneDrive from myGeneseo

Access OneDrive data from anywhere

Log in with your Geneseo credentials to view, edit, and update your files from any device.

• On the Web: Access your files at OneDrive Sign-In or Office.com.

• On Mobile: Download the app for iOS (App Store) or Android (Google Play).

Managing Files On-Demand (macOS)

By default, OneDrive uses Files On-Demand on macOS. This feature saves hard drive space by keeping your files in the cloud and downloading them only when you open them.

If you want to keep copies of your documents on your computer at all times (allowing offline access), follow these steps:

1. Open Finder and select OneDrive from the left-hand sidebar.

2. Right-click (or Ctrl+click) the files or folders you want offline.

3. Select Always keep on this device.

💡 Tip for Secondary Computers: If you log into a shared or secondary computer, do not enable "Always keep on this device." Leaving Files On-Demand active allows you to access everything over the internet without filling up that computer's hard drive.

Keeping Sync Active

OneDrive will automatically log you in and sync your files each time you start your computer. If you are occasionally prompted to sign in again, please do so promptly to ensure your files continue to back up correctly.

What do the OneDrive icons mean?

How to tell if your files are syncing.

By default, you will automatically be logged into OneDrive as long as you have signed into it previously on any college-provided computer. Click on the OneDrive cloud icon in the top right-hand corner of your desktop (near your wireless icon) and OneDrive will report its sign-in and sync status to you.

Customize Which Folders to Sync to Your OneDrive

Special Character or File Name Overlength Errors 

macOS allows Special Characters to be used in file names that Windows does not; also, macOS file names can be longer than Windows file names. Since OneDrive is a Microsoft product, the file names must follow Microsoft’s rules. If you get an error about special characters or file names that are too long, here is what to do:

1. From the Geneseo "G" icon in your menu bar, click CIT Self Service

2. In the CIT Self Service, select Fix file name issues for OneDrive Sync

   1. This will run a script that will go through the files in your Documents and Desktop folders, fix the files that have Special Characters that need to be removed and will identify file names that are too long.

   2. A log of actions taken by this script is stored at /Users/Shared/onedrive-fixLogs/onedrive-fixLog-<date>

   3. Backups of directories changed are stored in the user profile at /Users/<username>/OneDrive-Backup…, /Users/<username>/Desktop-Backup…, /Users/<username>/Documents-Backup…, etc.

Additional Notes for CIT Professionals

Need more storage space? 

By default all students, faculty, and staff are allocated 256 GB of space in OneDrive. If you require additional storage, please submit a request in our service portal.

OneDrive Video Tutorials - Microsoft Support 

Still Need Help?

Ask CIT! 📞 (585) 245-5588 | 📧 Email | 💬 Chat | 📝 Submit a Request and we'll be happy to assist you.