Personal OneDrive auto sync to be disabled

From Friday 8 August, the ability to automatically synchronise files from a personal OneDrive account to a University managed computer and vice versa will be disabled for all staff, and any students using a University of Reading managed computer (e.g Postgraduate research computers, PC Labs).  You will still be able to access your personal files via the OneDrive website. 

Why are we doing this?

There are several reasons why joining your personal files and business files in one place are not a good idea:

  • Work files can be accidentally saved to your personal account (and often assumed “lost”)
  • May lead to accidental (or even worse, intentional) sharing of company data with unauthorised users
  • No restrictions on personal OneDrive, leading to loss of control of UoR data with no audit trail
  • Personal photos and videos are saved to a business device, which could be accidentally shared with colleagues
  • Malicious files can be transferred to the University network via a compromised personal OneDrive account

Who does this affect?

This affects people with a personal OneDrive account (e.g. one you log in to with a non-University email address), which is automatically syncing with a University managed Windows computer.

How do I know if I am affected?

Look on the taskbar on your computer, next to the time/date. If you have personal OneDrive syncing, you will have two “cloud” logos. Right click to see what they are :

Which onedrive do I have

  • OneDrive – Personal: this is your non UoR OneDrive, which will go.
  • OneDrive – University of Reading: this is your UoR OneDrive, which will stay.

You may not have a personal OneDrive account and if you do have one, it may not be set to automatic syncing with your University computer. In which case you will be unaffected by this change.

What do I need to do?

This change will take place automatically. A pop up Microsoft OneDrive information box will appear to let you know it has happened and warn you that syncing has stopped.

Onedrive popup

Your University OneDrive for Business account, which uses your UoR credentials, e.g. ab123456@reading.ac.uk, will remain synchronised (if you have set it up).

How do I get to my personal files now?

You can login to OneDrive via a browser to access your own personal OneDrive files online. 

What about my own files I already have on my computer?

Any personal files that are already on your computer will still be there, frozen in time.

OneDrive folder structure

You can find them in the “OneDrive” folder in File Explorer.

Important: Once syncing is disabled, the files in these folders will not reflect any updates or changes made in your personal OneDrive.

Contact

If you have any questions or need any advice, please contact the IT Service Desk.

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