How to Add OneDrive to File Explorer in Windows 11 and 10

OneDrive is built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and once you sign in it appears in the File Explorer navigation pane as OneDrive – Personal (or OneDrive – Your Organization for work accounts). If it’s missing, it usually means OneDrive isn’t set up, is signed out, or has been hidden. This guide shows how to add OneDrive to File Explorer on both versions, pin it to Quick Access, and bring the icon back when it disappears.

Quick Answer

Click Start, search for OneDrive, open it and sign in with your Microsoft account. Follow the setup screens, and OneDrive appears in the left pane of File Explorer (Windows + E).

Add OneDrive to File Explorer (Windows 11 and 10)

1. Click Start, type OneDrive and open the app. If it isn’t installed, get it from the Microsoft Store or Microsoft’s OneDrive download page.
2. Enter your Microsoft account email and click Sign in.
3. Confirm or change the OneDrive folder location (by default C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive).
4. Choose whether to back up Desktop, Documents and Pictures. You can skip this and change it later.
5. Finish setup and open File Explorer (Windows + E). OneDrive – Personal is now in the navigation pane.

In Windows 11 it appears near the top under Home and Gallery. In Windows 10 it appears below Quick Access.

Pin OneDrive to Quick Access or Home

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Right-click OneDrive (or any OneDrive folder) and choose Pin to Quick access.

You can also drag the OneDrive folder to the Start menu or the taskbar’s File Explorer jump list for faster access.

OneDrive Icon Missing From the Navigation Pane?

1. Check that OneDrive is running: look for the cloud icon in the system tray. If it’s not there, open OneDrive from Start.
2. Sign in again: click the tray icon > Settings (gear) > Account. If you see “Add an account,” sign in.
3. Restart File Explorer: press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, find Windows Explorer and click Restart.
4. Show all folders: in File Explorer, click View > Show > Navigation pane and make sure it’s on.
5. Reset OneDrive: press Windows + R and run %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset, then start OneDrive again. Resetting doesn’t delete your files. (Microsoft lists alternative paths if that one isn’t found.)

Advanced: Unhide It in the Registry

If someone hid OneDrive, the registry value System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6} is set to 0. Setting it to 1 and restarting File Explorer shows the personal OneDrive entry again. Back up the registry first. Work and school accounts use a different CLSID.

Useful OneDrive Settings in File Explorer

• Files On-Demand: files show a cloud icon (online-only), a green outline check (available locally) or a solid green check (always keep on this device). Right-click a file or folder and choose Free up space or Always keep on this device.
• Choose folders: tray icon > Settings > Account > Choose folders controls which folders sync to this PC.
• Add a work account: Settings > Account > Add an account. It appears as a separate entry in the navigation pane.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OneDrive free?

Microsoft accounts include 5 GB of free storage. Microsoft 365 subscriptions include more (1 TB per person on Personal and Family plans).

How do I remove OneDrive from File Explorer?

Unlink the PC (tray icon > Settings > Account > Unlink this PC) or uninstall OneDrive in Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Your files stay in the cloud.

Can I map OneDrive as a network drive?

The sync app is the supported method. Mapping OneDrive with a WebDAV address isn’t officially supported and can be unreliable.

Summary

1. Open OneDrive from Start and sign in.
2. Finish setup and open File Explorer.
3. Pin OneDrive to Quick Access if you like.
4. If it’s missing, sign in again, restart Explorer or reset OneDrive.