OneDrive: Save Files to OneDrive on a Azure Virtual Desktop

Overview

When using a Northwood Tech Virtual Desktop, it is important to save your files to your Northwood Technical College OneDrive. Files saved only to folders on the Virtual Desktop may not be available after your Virtual Desktop session ends.

This article explains how to sign in to OneDrive after connecting to a Virtual Desktop, save files to your Northwood Technical College OneDrive, and access files saved to OneDrive.

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Key Information

  • Files saved to your Northwood Technical College OneDrive remain available after you disconnect from the Virtual Desktop.
  • Files saved only to folders on the Virtual Desktop may be lost when your Virtual Desktop session ends.
  • You must sign in to Northwood Tech OneDrive each time you log in to a Virtual Desktop.
  • Your Northwood Tech OneDrive can be accessed through File Explorer after you sign in.
  • Saving files to OneDrive allows you to access them again the next time you use a Virtual Desktop.
⚠️ Important: Always save your work to a Northwood Technical College OneDrive folder when using a Virtual Desktop. Do not save important files only to the Virtual Desktop.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • An active Northwood Tech account.
  • Your Northwood Tech email address.
  • Your MyCampus password.
  • Access to Microsoft Authenticator or another available MFA verification method.
  • Access to a Northwood Tech Virtual Desktop.

Instructions

Log In to Azure Virtual Desktop

  1. Go to https://www.northwoodtech.edu/.
  2. Click MyCampus.
    • If prompted enter your MyCampus username and password.
  3. Click the Azure Virtual Desktop tile.

Log In to OneDrive

  1. Click the OneDrive Cloud icon on the lower right-hand side of the taskbar.
  2. Click Sign in.
  3. Enter your Northwood Tech email address.
    • Student Email Example: jsmith1234@northwoodtech.edu
  4. Click Sign in.
  5. Enter your MyCampus password.
  6. Click Sign in.
  7. Verify your identity using MFA.
  8. Follow the remaining OneDrive setup prompts.
  9. Click Later.
  10. Click Open my OneDrive folder.
  11. File Explorer will open and display your Northwood Tech OneDrive folders and files.

Save a File to OneDrive

When saving files while using a Virtual Desktop, make sure you select your Northwood Technical College OneDrive location.

  1. Click Save As..
    • You may have to click More options... on some applications to make sure you are saving to the correct location.
  2. Select your Northwood Technical College OneDrive.
  3. Select the folder where you want to save the file.
    • If needed, click New Folder to create a new folder.
  4. Enter a name for your file.
  5. Click Save.
📝 Note: Files saved to your Northwood Technical College OneDrive will remain available through OneDrive after your Virtual Desktop session ends.

Open an Existing File from OneDrive

  1. Click Start > File Explorer.
  2. Click your Northwood Technical College OneDrive.
  3. Navigate to the folder where your file is saved.
  4. Double-click the file to open it.

Troubleshooting

I don't see the OneDrive icon

Try the following:

  • Verify you're connected to the Virtual Desktop.
  • Look for the OneDrive cloud icon on the Virtual Desktop taskbar.
  • Wait a few moments after logging in to the Virtual Desktop for OneDrive to load.
  • If OneDrive does not appear, restart your Virtual Desktop session and try again.

I can't sign in to OneDrive

Try the following:

  • Verify you're using your Northwood Tech email address.
  • Confirm you're entering your current MyCampus password.
  • Verify your device has an available MFA verification method.
  • Make sure you have an active internet connection.
  • Try signing in to MyCampus to confirm your credentials.

I don't see my OneDrive files

Try the following:

  • Verify you signed in using your Northwood Tech account.
  • Confirm OneDrive has finished signing in and syncing.
  • Open File Explorer and select your Northwood Technical College OneDrive.
  • Wait a few moments for your files and folders to appear.

I accidentally saved a file to the Virtual Desktop

Try the following:

  • Locate the file in the folder where it was saved.
  • Open the file.
  • Use Save As to save a copy to your Northwood Technical College OneDrive.
  • Verify the file is visible in your OneDrive before ending your Virtual Desktop session.
⚠️ Important: Do not rely on files saved only to the Virtual Desktop. Those files may not be available after your Virtual Desktop session ends.

OneDrive is still setting up

Try the following:

  • Wait a few minutes for OneDrive to finish loading after signing in.
  • Verify you're connected to the Virtual Desktop.
  • Check the OneDrive cloud icon for any error or warning indicators.
  • Open File Explorer and check whether your Northwood Technical College OneDrive appears.
  • Restart your Virtual Desktop session and sign in to OneDrive again.

Need Additional Assistance?

If you're unable to sign in to OneDrive or save your files after following the steps and troubleshooting guidance above, submit an IT Service Desk ticket.

Include the error message or screenshots, if available, so the Service Desk can assist you as quickly as possible.

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