[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "as%20a%20screen%20reader%20user%2C%20tell%20me%20how%20to%20use%20microsoft%20one%20drive%20with%20file%20explorer%2C%20to%20manage%20my%20files%20that%20way%2C%20instead%20of%20using%20the%20online%20website."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a comprehensive, screen reader-friendly guide to using Microsoft OneDrive via **File Explorer** (i.e. locally on your computer), instead of the web interface. This setup leverages Windows\u2019 OneDrive sync app and the Files On-Demand feature. I\u2019ve included keyboard shortcuts and tips optimized for screen reader users.\n\n---\n\n## 1. Set up the OneDrive Sync App\n\n1. Ensure OneDrive is installed and you are signed in with your Microsoft account (personal or work/school).  \n   \u00ad\u2013 If not, download OneDrive from Microsoft and follow the prompts to set it up. ([adoption.microsoft.com](https://adoption.microsoft.com/files/onedrive/OneDrive-quick-start-guide.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. Once signed in, the OneDrive cloud icon will appear in the system tray (bottom right of the screen). ([adoption.microsoft.com](https://adoption.microsoft.com/files/onedrive/OneDrive-quick-start-guide.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. To sync your files, open the OneDrive settings:  \n   Press Windows Key + R, type `onedrive`, press Enter, then in its settings go to the **Account** tab and select **Add an account** (if syncing work/school account in addition to personal). ([techcommunity.microsoft.com](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/discussions/microsoft-365/howto-add-onedrive-for-business-to-file-explorer/183898/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## 2. Enable Files On-Demand\n\nFiles On-Demand lets you see all your OneDrive files in File Explorer without using up all your local disk space. ([blogs.windows.com](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2017/11/06/windows-10-tip-save-disk-space-onedrive-files-demand/?utm_source=openai))\n\n- Open OneDrive settings (via system tray icon \u2192 gear \u2192 Settings).  \n- On the **Settings** tab, check \u201cSave space and download files as you use them.\u201d This enables online-only files. ([blogs.windows.com](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2017/11/06/windows-10-tip-save-disk-space-onedrive-files-demand/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## 3. Accessing OneDrive Files in File Explorer\n\nOnce synced:\n\n- Open File Explorer: press Windows Key + E. ([searchtundra.northampton.ac.uk](https://searchtundra.northampton.ac.uk/getfile.ashx?DocId=6652595093023665677&tag=95236b30-5cf6-4f1c-acd2-ee62fb225ad5&utm_source=openai))  \n- In the left navigation pane, you\u2019ll see \u201cOneDrive \u2013 Personal\u201d (if signed in with a personal account) or \u201cOneDrive \u2013 [OrganizationName]\u201d (for work/school). ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/work-with-synced-files-in-file-explorer-8d9b1c45-4a3f-4fa8-a55b-fd0635e77d4d?utm_source=openai))\n\n- Shared folders or libraries can also appear as top-level folders if you add shortcuts to them. These shortcuts let those shared items sync and show up in File Explorer. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-in/answers/questions/1286213/how-to-sync-onedrive-%2Ashared%2A-files-to-windows-fil?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## 4. File Status Icons\n\nThese icons help you tell which files are stored locally, which are online-only, or always kept offline:\n\n- **Blue cloud icon**: online-only file (stored in cloud; doesn\u2019t take disk space until opened) ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/work-with-synced-files-in-file-explorer-8d9b1c45-4a3f-4fa8-a55b-fd0635e77d4d?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Green checkmark icon**: locally available file (recently opened; stored locally) ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/work-with-synced-files-in-file-explorer-8d9b1c45-4a3f-4fa8-a55b-fd0635e77d4d?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Solid green circle with white checkmark**: \u201cAlways keep on this device\u201d (always available, even when offline) ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/work-with-synced-files-in-file-explorer-8d9b1c45-4a3f-4fa8-a55b-fd0635e77d4d?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## 5. Using with Screen Readers: Navigation & Commands\n\nScreen reader support is built-in for Windows, including the OneDrive folder in File Explorer. Microsoft maintains accessibility documentation specifically for this. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/accessibility/onedrive/accessibility-tools-for-onedrive?utm_source=openai))\n\nHere are key navigation tips:\n\n| Action | Keys / Method |\n|---|----------------|\n| Launch File Explorer | Windows + E |\n| Navigate through the left pane (OneDrive, other drives) | Tab, Shift + Tab to move focus to navigation pane; Arrow keys to move up/down |\n| Open a folder or file | Enter |\n| Move back (up one directory level) | Backspace or Alt + Left Arrow |\n| Select single item | Arrow keys + Spacebar (in list) |\n| Select multiple items | Use Shift + Arrow keys; Spacebar toggles selection |\n| Copy / Move files | Ctrl + C / Ctrl + X, then Ctrl + V |\n| Delete files | Delete key |\n| Rename item | F2 |\n| Access file properties or right-click menu | Shift + F10 or the Context Menu key |\n| Toggle between online-only, locally available, or always-available | With the file selected, Shift + F10 \u2192 scroll to \u201cAlways keep on this device\u201d or \u201cFree up space\u201d option |\n\nNote: Some screen readers (e.g., NVDA, JAWS, Narrator) may have specific commands or modes (e.g., virtual cursor / browse mode) you\u2019ll use in File Explorer. Microsoft\u2019s \u201cAccessibility tools for OneDrive\u201d page explains these. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/accessibility/onedrive/accessibility-tools-for-onedrive?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## 6. Working Offline\n\n- If you know you\u2019ll be offline, mark important files or folders \u201cAlways keep on this device\u201d so they are locally stored. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/work-with-synced-files-in-file-explorer-8d9b1c45-4a3f-4fa8-a55b-fd0635e77d4d?utm_source=openai))  \n- When offline, files with the blue cloud icon won\u2019t open until you connect to the internet. Files marked \u201calways available\u201d or recently used locally available ones will open normally.\n\n---\n\n## 7. Syncing Shared Files & Folders\n\nIf someone shares a folder with you in OneDrive:\n\n- Use **\u201cAdd shortcut to My Files\u201d** \u2014 this will sync that folder so it appears in your OneDrive folder in File Explorer. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-in/answers/questions/1286213/how-to-sync-onedrive-%2Ashared%2A-files-to-windows-fil?utm_source=openai))  \n- Note: shortcuts work only for shared folders, not individual files. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-in/answers/questions/1286213/how-to-sync-onedrive-%2Ashared%2A-files-to-windows-fil?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## 8. Everyday File Tasks with File Explorer\n\nHere are common tasks you\u2019ll likely do via File Explorer instead of the web:\n\n- **Upload files**: Copy/paste or drag files from other parts of your PC into the OneDrive folder in File Explorer. These files then sync automatically to the cloud. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/work-with-synced-files-in-file-explorer-8d9b1c45-4a3f-4fa8-a55b-fd0635e77d4d?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Download/open files**: Press Enter on a file to open; if it\u2019s online-only, it\u2019ll download automatically. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/work-with-synced-files-in-file-explorer-8d9b1c45-4a3f-4fa8-a55b-fd0635e77d4d?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Delete files**: Select file \u2192 press Delete. That removes it from both your PC and cloud. If you want to remove from PC but keep in cloud, set it back to online-only first. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/work-with-synced-files-in-file-explorer-8d9b1c45-4a3f-4fa8-a55b-fd0635e77d4d?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Rename, move**: Standard keyboard commands like F2, Ctrl + X/C/V work just like local folders. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/work-with-synced-files-in-file-explorer-8d9b1c45-4a3f-4fa8-a55b-fd0635e77d4d?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which screen reader you use (e.g. NVDA, JAWS, Narrator), I can give you more detailed, reader-specific keystrokes or configurations!"
    }
]