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How to Create a New Folder in OneDrive: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating folders in OneDrive is fundamental for organizing your cloud storage. It’s like setting up a well-structured filing system for your digital life, ensuring that your files are easily accessible and manageable. This article will guide you through the various methods of creating new folders in OneDrive and address common questions to make the process seamless.

Creating a New Folder in OneDrive: The Basics

At its core, creating a new folder in OneDrive involves a simple set of steps, regardless of whether you are using the web version or a desktop application. This fundamental action helps you keep your files organized and easy to locate, enhancing your overall productivity. Here’s a straightforward method to create a folder in OneDrive:

Access OneDrive: Open your web browser and go to the OneDrive website. Sign in with your Microsoft account or your O365 account credentials.
Navigate to the Desired Location: Once logged in, navigate to the specific location within OneDrive where you want to create the new folder. This could be in the root directory or within an existing folder.
Click + New: Look for the “+ New” button, often located near the top of the screen. Click on it.
Select Folder: From the dropdown menu, select “Folder“. A pop-up window will appear, prompting you to name your new folder.
Name Your Folder: Enter the desired name for your new folder. Choose a clear and descriptive name that accurately reflects the contents you intend to store within it.
Click Create: After entering the name, click the “Create” button. Your new folder will now be created in the chosen location within OneDrive, ready for you to add files.

This method is direct and applicable to most OneDrive users working through a web browser.

Creating Folders Using OneDrive Apps

In addition to the web browser, OneDrive also offers desktop and mobile applications that can be used to create folders and manage files.

OneDrive Desktop App

Open the OneDrive App: Start by opening the OneDrive application on your computer.
Navigate to the Desired Location: Go to the folder within OneDrive on your computer that you want to create the new folder in. This folder is typically synchronized to the cloud.
Right-Click: Right-click anywhere within the folder where you wish to create the new folder.
Select New then Folder: In the context menu that appears, hover over “New” and select “Folder”.
Name Your Folder: Give the folder a suitable name. Once you type the name press Enter to finalize the creation.

OneDrive Mobile App

Launch the OneDrive App: Open the OneDrive application on your mobile device.
Navigate to the Desired Location: Navigate to the location where you want to create the new folder.
Tap + Button: Locate and tap the “+” button, typically found in the bottom right corner.
Select Create Folder: From the options, choose “Create Folder“.
Name Your Folder: Enter the name for your folder and tap “Done” or ” OK” to create it.

These mobile apps offer the convenience of creating new folders on the go, from your tablets or smartphones.

Advanced Folder Creation Techniques

In addition to the standard procedures, there are several other ways to create folders in OneDrive that might be useful for specific scenarios.

Using the “Save As” Dialog Box

When you are working on a file and wish to save it to a new folder, the “Save As” dialogue box offers a quick way to create the folder directly.

Open the File and initiate the save process: Open the file you are currently working on. Initiate the process to Save As.
Navigate to the desired location: Use the Save As dialogue box to navigate to where you want to store your folder.
Click New Folder: Within the “Save As” dialog box, look for and click the “New Folder” button or icon.
Name Your New Folder: A new folder will be created; type in your desired folder name, and press Enter or OK.
Save to the Folder: Your document can be saved to this folder now by selecting it and pressing “Save”.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

For users looking for efficiency, keyboard shortcuts can speed up folder creation.

Navigate to the desired location: Go to the location where you would like to create the folder in the File Explorer.
Use the shortcut: Press “Ctrl + Shift + N” on your keyboard. A new folder will appear with the default name “New Folder”.
Name Your New Folder: Type the desired name for your folder and press Enter to finalize the name.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About OneDrive Folders

Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you better understand OneDrive folder management:

1. Why can’t I create a new folder in OneDrive?

Usually, you should have the permissions to create a new folder. If you’re having issues, check your folder permissions in the “Security” or “Sharing & Permissions” tab of the folder’s properties. Ensure that your account has the necessary read, write, and modify permissions.

2. How do I add files to a OneDrive folder?

To add files, navigate to the desired folder on the OneDrive website or app, then select the “Upload” option. Choose the files from your local device that you want to upload to the folder. You can also drag and drop files directly into the folder on the web interface or app.

3. What is the shortcut to create a new folder in OneDrive?

There is no specific keyboard shortcut within the OneDrive website or app itself, to create a new folder. However, “Ctrl + Shift + N” will create a new folder in the File Explorer, which can be in your local synced OneDrive folders.

4. How do I manually add folders from my computer to OneDrive?

Open the OneDrive app, go to “Settings,” select the “Account” tab and click “Choose folders”. Here, you can select the folders on your computer you want to back up to OneDrive.

5. Why won’t OneDrive let me upload files?

If you cannot upload files, ensure that you are within your available storage space. If you have exceeded your space limit, you need to free up some space or increase your subscription storage.

6. What’s the difference between a file and a folder?

A file is a storage unit that contains data, while a folder is a container that can hold one or more files or other folders. Folders help organize files and create a hierarchical structure within your OneDrive.

7. How do I create a folder without a name?

To create a folder without a name, type Alt+0160 while naming the folder using a full-size keyboard. This adds a blank character, which is not visible, thus effectively naming the folder without characters.

8. Why can’t I add a shortcut to a folder in OneDrive?

The “Add shortcut to My files” option is unavailable if the folder is already added or if the item you’re trying to shortcut is not a folder. This also does not work when you are selecting more than one folder simultaneously.

9. How do I add a folder to OneDrive without moving it from my computer?

Use the OneDrive desktop app. In Settings, use the “Choose Folders” option under “Account” tab. Here, you can select folders from your local computer to back up to OneDrive without moving their original location on the computer.

10. How can I create a folder that does not sync with OneDrive?

In the OneDrive desktop app settings, go to the “Account” tab and choose “Choose Folders“. Here you can uncheck the folders you don’t want to sync to your computer.

11. How do I add a shared folder to my OneDrive?

Go to “Shared” under OneDrive in the left navigation pane, select the shared folder, and click “Add shortcut to My files”. Now the folder is accessible through your own OneDrive folder structure.

12. What should I do if my system files are corrupted and I can’t create a new folder?

Use the System File Checker (sfc /scannow command via administrator command prompt) to scan and repair corrupted system files. You may have to refresh the OS installation if your system is severely damaged.

13. Can I create subfolders within other folders?

Yes, you can create subfolders within existing folders to further organize your files and projects. Just navigate to a folder and use the standard methods to create the new folder.

14. How can I save a document directly into a new folder that I created in OneDrive?

After creating the folder in OneDrive, open your document and choose “Save As“. Navigate through the “Save As” dialogue box, to your folder, and click “Save“.

15. Can I move files or folders between OneDrive and my computer?

You can drag and drop files between OneDrive and your computer if OneDrive is synced to your computer. Or use the “Upload” and “Download” buttons for moving files between OneDrive on the web and your computer.

Conclusion

Creating a new folder in OneDrive is a simple yet essential task for managing your files effectively. By using the various methods described in this guide, you can maintain a well-organized cloud storage system, whether you are using the web version or the apps for desktop or mobile. Remember to use clear and descriptive folder names, and regularly organize your files to keep your OneDrive clutter-free and efficient. These methods should provide you with all the tools necessary to manage folders effectively in your OneDrive.

How can you create a new folder in OneDrive?