Store files correctly – local, OneDrive, SharePoint, network drive

Where a file is stored determines whether it is backed up, who can see it and whether it's available on other devices.

Which location for what?

  • OneDrive: your own work files. Backed up, with version history and available on all your devices.

  • SharePoint or Teams: shared files of a team or project. All members have access, even if someone is absent.

  • Network drive (in companies with their own server): shared files on the company network, backed up centrally. Only reachable via VPN when on the go.

  • Locally on the computer (desktop, downloads): only short term. These files are usually not backed up and are lost if the device fails.

  • USB sticks and external drives: only for transport, not for storage.

Basic rules

  • Never store company data in private cloud services (e.g. personal Dropbox or Google Drive).

  • Don't send files to colleagues as email attachments; share them instead. See “Share files and folders – OneDrive and SharePoint”.

  • If in doubt, ask support where shared files are stored in your company.

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