The main function behind Microsoft's OneDrive storage service is to save your files in the cloud and across different PCs. That way the same documents, photos, and other files stay in sync online and on your computers. But you can also use OneDrive to access folders and fetch files directly on another PC—and those files don't need to be part of your OneDrive group.
There are a few caveats.
- You'll need a Microsoft account to use OneDrive.
- Both PCs need to be connected to the internet with OneDrive active and the fetch setting turned on.
- You can fetch files from a PC running Windows 7, 8, and 10 but not 8.1.
- You can connect to the remote PC and access its files from a PC running 7, 8, 8.1, or 10 as well as from a mobile device such as an iPhone, iPad, or Android gadget.
- You can also fetch files on a Windows PC from a Mac, but you can't fetch files on a Mac.
- When you connect to a PC to fetch files, Windows may require a verification code.
Now that all the requirements are out of the way, let's check out the process.
First, make sure you're running OneDrive on both PCs—the one you want to use you to access files and the one where the files live. If you're not, install it via Microsoft's OneDrive website. After OneDrive is installed, you'll see a OneDrive icon in the Windows system tray; it looks like a cloud.
PC With the Files
Fire up the PC on which you wish to access the files and right-click on the OneDrive icon. From the pop-up menu, click on the command for Settings.
From the Microsoft OneDrive window that pops up, click on the Settings tab. Then check the setting for "Let me use OneDrive to fetch any of the files on this PC." You should also check the setting to "Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows" if it's not already turned on. This way OneDrive is always active when you load Windows. Click OK.
You now need to restart OneDrive. Right-click on the OneDrive icon and click on the Exit command. A pop-up window appears asking if you're sure you want to close OneDrive. Click on the button that says: "Close OneDrive."
Type OneDrive in the search box and then click on OneDrive from the results. You should now see the OneDrive icon back in the system tray.
PC Without the Files
Now turn on the computer you wish to use to fetch files on the other PC. Launch the OneDrive website from your web browser. Click on the Sign in link in the upper-right corner. Type the email address of the account you use for OneDrive and click Next.
The next page may present a choice between OneDrive and OneDrive for Business. We'll assume you're using the regular OneDrive service, so click on the button that says: "OneDrive."
On the next page, type the password for your OneDrive account and click the Sign in button. Your own personal OneDrive page pops up displaying the folders included in your OneDrive synchronization. On the left side of the page, click on the link that says "PCs."
You'll see a list of all your PCs running OneDrive. Click on the name of the PC from which you want to fetch a file or files.
A Security check notice may pop up at this point. If so, click on the link to "Sign in with a security code."
At the "Protect your account" page, type the last four digits of your mobile phone number and then click on the button that says: "Send code." Your phone should receive a code as a text message. Type that code in the "Code" field. If you don't want to be bothered using a code on this computer each time you access this page, check on the option that says: "I sign in frequently on this device. Don't ask me for a code." Click the Submit button.
You should now see a page with large tiles for each of the folders on your remote PC, including your favorites, your libraries, your entire C drive, your CD/DVD drive, and any network drives. Click on the folder that contains the file you want.
Click on the specific file you wish to view, and it will open full screen. You can also right-click the file. Depending on the type of file it is, you'll see several choices on the pop-up menu, including Download, Upload to OneDrive, and Properties. When you're done, simply close the pages that you opened on the remote PC.
For more, check out these other Windows 10 tutorials:
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- How to Tweak Your Tiles in Windows 10
- How to Check Out Early Versions of Windows 10
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