We explain the steps you must take to create a OneDrive account from scratch to save your favorite files.
You may be considering making the leap to the cloud and start synchronizing files in it. Or maybe you are already registered on another platform, such as Dropbox or Google Drive , but none of them meet your needs. In these cases, a good alternative is OneDrive , Microsoft’s proposal for creating collaborative documents, synchronizing files between devices, and saving photos. Now, how to make a OneDrive account?
This article focuses mainly on explaining how to create a OneDrive account step by step . We will accompany you throughout the process so that you can obtain the free 5 GB that Microsoft offers to all users. Likewise, we will tell you about the service fees and the storage fees that you have at your disposal. Let’s start!
Index of contents
- What is OneDrive and what is it for?
- How to create a OneDrive account step by step
- Are you sure you don’t have a Microsoft account?
- Sign up for OneDrive step by step
- What are the OneDrive plans available
What is OneDrive and what is it for?
OneDrive is the solution that Microsoft proposes to store and synchronize files in the cloud. This platform works in a similar way to other platforms in the sector, such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
What is OneDrive for? Although it is mainly a storage service, it has some specific functions that are worth noting:
- Sharing files with other users.
- Creation of collaborative documents.
- Backup copy of mobile photos and videos.
- Document scanning.
- Editing photos and PDF files.
- Design of forms and lists.
- Opening of shared folders where multiple users can upload files.
- Sending large files.
- Synchronization of files between various devices: it is compatible with Windows computers, Mac and mobile phones.
- Gallery management on Samsung mobiles.
How to create a OneDrive account step by step
Now that you know better what OneDrive is and what it is for, it is time to explain how to sign up for the service and start using it. But first, we issue a necessary warning.
Are you sure you don’t have a Microsoft account?
The Microsoft account is the one that is used to sign in to Windows , especially if it is the Home edition . So if you already have a Microsoft account, you do NOT need to open another one for OneDrive. With your credentials you already have the 5 GB free that the company provides to all its users.
How to access OneDrive if you already have an existing account? In two different ways:
- With the desktop or mobile app. Enter your Microsoft account credentials there.
- From the browser. OneDrive works perfectly from any modern web browser.
Sign up for OneDrive step by step
After this brief clarification, the time has come to show you the instructions to create a OneDrive account from scratch . This method is indicated for those users who do not have an active Microsoft account or want to open a new one.
From the PC, the steps you must follow to sign up for OneDrive are these:
- Open the browser and go to OneDrive.com.
- Click Create a free account.
- Enter your email address. If you prefer, click Use a phone number instead. Finally, to use Outlook as a mail manager, click on Get a new email address .
- Enter the new password for your account.
- Introduce your name.
- Specify your region and date of birth.
- In this step, Microsoft will send you an email with a code. Type the code in the text field.
- If you want to receive news from OneDrive, check the I’d like to get information, tips, and offers about Microsoft products and servicesbox .
Additionally, Microsoft may ask you to solve a captcha to verify that you are not a robot. At the terminal, you will already have your new OneDrive account ready.
The next steps we recommend taking are these:
- Upload your first files.
- Download the application for computers and synchronize your documents.
- Download the mobile app and create a backup of your photos.
What are the OneDrive plans available
The above method allows you to get a free OneDrive account with 5 GB . In addition, it gives you access to the online applications of Word, Excel and PowerPoint. For basic users they are fully functional and highly recommended.
But, if you run a little short on space and need to upgrade your OneDrive account, click Buy storage and choose the plan that best suits your needs. In this comparative table you can easily compare them.
| OneDrive storage only | Microsoft 365 Personal | Microsoft 365 Familiar | |
| Storage capacity | 100 GB | 1 TB | 1 TB per user |
| users | 1 | 1 | up to 6 |
| What includes? | · Storage Expansion
· Personal storage with up to 3 files. |
· Storage Expansion
· Complete office suite for home users. · Other apps: Access (PC only), Publisher (PC only), Skype · Unlimited personal storage subject to OneDrive quota · Ransomware detection and recovery · File restore up to 30 days · offline folders |
· Storage Expansion
· Complete office suite for home users. · Microsoft Family Safety · Other apps: Access (PC only), Publisher (PC only), Skype · Unlimited personal storage subject to OneDrive quota · Ransomware detection and recovery · File restore up to 30 days · offline folders |
| Offer free trial | No | No | Yes |
| Monthly price | 2 euros | 7 euros | 10 euros |
| annual price | 20 euros | 69 euros | 99 euros |
And you, do you prefer OneDrive over other services? Do you think that the options proposed by Google, Dropbox or Apple are better? We want to know your opinion! Leave a comment just below and tell us about your experience with any of the currently existing storage services.