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Sync OneDrive for Business files for offline access (Video)

You can sync your OneDrive files to your desktop for easy access via File Explorer or for offline access. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to sync and understand sync status of files and folders in your libraries.

This video is part of my FREE 30+ lesson self-paced online training course called Collaboration in Microsoft 365 (OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams). Enroll today at https://www.NateTheTrainer.com for the full learning experience including lesson discussions, quizzes, exams, and a completion certificate.

You can also watch the entire course as a YouTube playlist as well (just without the course discussions, quizzes, exam, and certificate). Be sure to subscribe to support my channel and for easy access to future content.

Notes

A common misconception is that Sync is “Refresh” but it isn’t – just refresh your browser if something looks amiss. Sync is to access OneDrive via File Explorer on your machine to be able to work with files locally as opposed to through a browser.

First-time sync

The first time you set up sync, you’ll be walked through a wizard. But if you choose to sync SharePoint libraries in the future, you won’t have to do the wizard each time.

Sync statuses

Synced files aren’t available offline until you open one (making it available On this device) or you right-click a file and choose Always keep on this device (making it Always available). If a file is Online-only, you won’t be able to access it if you lose your internet connection. 

How to use synced files

Simply double-click a file to open it in the desktop version of its app (i.e. Word, Excel, etc.). Since the file is cloud-based, Autosave will be active so you can close the application once you’re finished making changes and those changes will automatically be synced with the cloud (assuming you’re connected to the internet at the time).

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How to delete and restore files and versions in OneDrive for Business (Video)

You can delete whole files or just specific versions of files in OneDrive for Business. You can also restore those deleted files or specific versions from your OneDrive’s recycle bin.

This video is part of my FREE 30+ lesson self-paced online training course called Collaboration in Microsoft 365 (OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams). Enroll today at https://www.NateTheTrainer.com for the full learning experience including lesson discussions, quizzes, exams, and a completion certificate.

You can also watch the entire course as a YouTube playlist as well (just without the course discussions, quizzes, exam, and certificate). Be sure to subscribe to support my channel and for easy access to future content.

Notes

You can delete files, folders, and specific versions of files. These can all be restored from your Recycle Bin(s) to their original locations.

To delete a file, select it and hit enter on your keyboard or choose Delete from the file’s menu.

You can delete a specific version of a file by viewing a file’s version history, using the ellipsis menu for the specific version, and choosing Delete. 

To restore a file, visit the Recycle bin (or Second-stage recycle bin), select the file(s) and choose Restore from the ribbon menu.

Items are available in the recycle bin(s) for 93 days from the date of deletion after which they’re permanently deleted. That 93 days is shared between both recycle bins. You can permanently delete items sooner by manually emptying the first- and second-stage recycle bins.

Additional resources

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Request files from others securely using OneDrive for Business (Video)

Learn how you can request files from others by sending them a file request link where they can drop files without seeing anyone else’s. For this to work and to see the option, you must be allowed to share externally (some admins and orgs choose to disable this ability for security reasons).

This video is part of my FREE 30+ lesson self-paced online training course called Collaboration in Microsoft 365 (OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams). Enroll today at https://www.NateTheTrainer.com for the full learning experience including lesson discussions, quizzes, exams, and a completion certificate.

You can also watch the entire course as a YouTube playlist as well (just without the course discussions, quizzes, exam, and certificate). Be sure to subscribe to support my channel and for easy access to future content.

Notes

Requesting files from others is not the same as sharing a folder with others to which they’ll add and edit files.

When you share a folder normally (with edit permissions), users can add files but they can also see others’ files and edit anything in the folder.

When you request files, users can add files but they can’t see any files in the folder (including their own) and they can’t modify anything after uploading (including their own). It’s basically a file drop or an FTP replacement to allow secure file submissions.

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Restore your entire OneDrive for Business library to an earlier time (Video)

Learn how you can undo any changes made in your OneDrive for Business library by using the Restore feature. You’ll be able to restore your entire library in one action to a point in time you specify.

This video is part of my FREE 30+ lesson self-paced online training course called Collaboration in Microsoft 365 (OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams). Enroll today at https://www.NateTheTrainer.com for the full learning experience including lesson discussions, quizzes, exams, and a completion certificate.

You can also watch the entire course as a YouTube playlist as well (just without the course discussions, quizzes, exam, and certificate). Be sure to subscribe to support my channel and for easy access to future content.

Notes

If you’ve been working in OneDrive and something has gone wrong, you can restore your entire OneDrive (undo all changes across all your files and folders at once) by using the Restore your OneDrive feature. You can restore to a specific time such as yesterday, a week ago, or a custom date/time. Every edit, deletion, etc. that’s reversible will be reversed.

While the restore is in progress, your OneDrive will be in read-only mode (for existing content) but you can continue to access the content, create or upload new content, and access your Shared content as well.

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My OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams online training course is now available as a YouTube playlist

This year I released my free Collaboration in Microsoft 365 training course that covers the essentials of OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams – the collaboration core of M365. I’ve also just made it available as a YouTube playlist to make sure the content is available to the broadest audience and doesn’t require enrollment or prerequisites.

So when should you use which?

The course itself has more than just the video lessons. I’d recommend enrolling in the actual course for all 30+ video lessons as well as discussion and Q&A forums with me and the other students, quizzes to check your learning along the way, and a completion certificate. It’s also a fun thing for teams to enroll in and go through together. And even if you just do the 2-week free access to knock out the quizzes and get the certificate, you’ll have access to the videos on YouTube forever.

You can also just go through the YouTube playlist (4+ hours total) and use the individual videos to:

  • Skip to and learn topics you’re less familiar with
  • Share important topics and tips with coworkers easily
  • Embed specific videos for your LMS, Teams, SharePoint, or other internal training resources
  • Enhance your presentations and training efforts with in-the-moment learning videos, or as a reference to share after an engagement for continued learning or refreshers

No matter how you choose to learn and share Collaboration in Microsoft 365, I hope you find it valuable and enjoy the experience as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

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Introducing my free Collaboration in Microsoft 365 online course

The most important thing for me in my MVP contributions is doing my part to share free information and resources with the community. Sometimes that has meant speaking at a free event or user group, posting blog tutorials, or helping connect learners to resources via social media or email.

Lately I had been wondering how I could level up my impact since I’m not speaking at as many events these days (as with many of us). How could I provide “session-like” experiences online, but beyond just a one-time user group or virtual event? I wanted a way to connect to learners in new ways, and to do something unique.

After much research and seeing some inspiring examples in the MVP community (such as the Excelerator course and the RADACAD Academy), I decided I’d try my own hand at a self-paced, online course.

I’m thrilled to announce my Collaboration in Microsoft 365 course launching at https://www.NateTheTrainer.com.

There are so many great learning experiences are out there – some are free (like Microsoft Learn) and others come at a hefty price point (like large conferences and subscription services). I’m excited to offer this to learners for free, because free access to information and learning is near and dear to my heart. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if there weren’t free opportunities for me along my own path.

I'm just getting started and plan to expand and release more content and layers of experiences in the future. But for now, the course includes:

  • 30+ video and text lessons on OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams created by yours truly
  • Discussion threads on each lesson, and a learner Community for general questions and Q&A that don't fit into a single lesson
  • 3 product-focused quizzes with 10+ questions each, and one final exam with another 30+ questions
  • A course certificate upon completion

If you find value in the course and are able, I do have a $25 "tip" option at enrollment to help defray the expenses that go into creating a course like this. You can also donate a different amount here. I appreciate your support and your kindness immensely. Thank you for being a part of my community.

And if you're looking for something more or are interested in live, instructor-led training (in-person or virtual) for your organization, the M365 team at Centriq Training in Kansas City would love to work with you to deliver tailored and effective training solutions that meet your specific needs.

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Enroll in my FREE OneNote 101 7-day email course

One year ago today, I announced and released my first-ever email course. To celebrate its birthday, I’m giving it away for FREE! I enjoyed building the course and I’m confident there’s something new and exciting in it for everyone, even a year later.

This email course delivers a healthy serving of OneNote each day, for seven days. Topics include:

  • Flavors of OneNote (multiple devices, multiple versions)
  • Audio tips and tricks
  • Working with files in OneNote
  • Image magic in OneNote, like searching text within images
  • Keyboard shortcuts to maximize your efficiency
  • OneNote + Outlook
  • Tags and Tag reports (summary pages)

Requirements:

  • Includes GIFs and relies on images to demonstrate tips so must support HTML message formats
  • Must allow emails from MailChimp (check spam/junk if you don’t get your first email within 24 hours of signing up)

OneNote 101 7-day Email Course Sign-Up

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Make training fun and increase learning retention with puzzles and games

My number one compliment at trainings comes from my live, interactive elements like my Mentimeter quizzes. But I’m branching into a new type of interactivity that might begin in the training classroom but carries on with attendees after they leave.

I’m talking about handouts. Attendees are more likely to remember sessions, topics, and facts if they had a little fun along the way. Not every handout has to be a glossary. Bingo, for example, challenges end users to explore various capabilities in SharePoint they otherwise may not have considered.

SharePoint Bingo and O365 Crossword: These two downloadables encourage attendees to listen up and have certain prompts in mind throughout your talk such as “how could I add a new list?” or “we can live stream events?? with what?” They can work on these throughout the session as they learn, or take it back to their desks. A great way to encourage participation is to offer an incentive such as “add your name and turn it in when you’re done for a chance to win a Surface Go.”

SharePoint Sudoku: This one is just for fun and is a great “added bonus” handout for your session. It’s also great for those attendees that show up 15 minutes early and might appreciate something to do in the meantime.

Sale!

3 Puzzle Pack (SP Bingo, SP Sudoku, & O365 Apps Crossword)

Original price was: $10.85.Current price is: $7.99.

Get three puzzles in a bundle (saving over 25%) to improve attendee engagement and training reinforcement.

  • SharePoint Sudoku #1
  • SharePoint End-User Bingo
  • Apps in O365 Crossword (Editable)
Category: Tags: ,

Description

Get three puzzles in a bundle (saving over 25%) to improve attendee engagement and training reinforcement.
  • SharePoint Sudoku #1 (great for occupying early arrivers)
  • SharePoint End-User Bingo (hands-on practice during or after training)
  • Apps in O365 Crossword – Editable version (have “ah-ha!” moments during, and reinforce learning after)

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Get a customized puzzle from me

I’m happy to create a custom crossword or bingo downloadable for your needs at the same cost of these examples (no setup fee). DM me on Mastodon or send me a message via he form below with your scenario and let’s work together to make training fun!

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Boost your audience engagement and knowledge retention with live, interactive surveys and quizzes

I often hear from my session and training attendees that they enjoy the interactive elements of my sessions. I usually end each session with a swag or book giveaway based on the highest scoring participant in a Mentimeter quiz. Sometimes my only follow-up is: “I loved that quiz, how can I do that for my own team?” The nice thing is even if an attendee knew everything I mentioned in my 101, they still left with a new tool they can use to engage their co-workers and attendees.

Note: I don’t get any affiliate or referral program perks for this. I just truly appreciate the value Mentimeter has added to my presentations and wish the same success for you.

What is Mentimeter?

Mentimeter is a service that allows participants to “join” quizzes or surveys you create without needing an account. Once you create your questions and indicate the correct response(s) (if applicable), you click present. Attendees see the “access code” at the top of the screen and, using their mobile device or computer, join the quiz using their name (whether they choose to use their real name or not is up to them). Results show up on the screen in real-time.

Mentimeter allows you to get to know your audience better, engage them in friendly competition, or just solicit questions throughout your talk. This allows for your more introverted attendees to be comfortably engaged whereas otherwise you may not have heard from them at all. It also allows your questions to be “compiled” until you’re at a good stopping place to address them.

From menti.com (attendee view after a question has ended)

For quizzes as seen above, voting is closed after a specified time for each question and points are awarded on accuracy AND speed of response. You can even display a leaderboard between questions to get the room more engaged and competitive. There is never a tie, which makes it easy to give away swag to the top two or three.

When you’re done, you can export PDFs of the question slides to share attendee questions, responses, comprehension, etc. and then reset the presentation so it’s ready for your next session. If you have a paid license, you can export to excel instead of PDF.

From https://www.mentimeter.com/

How much does it cost?

Personally I use the free version because it gives you up to six quiz questions, or three survey questions which is the perfect size for an end-of-session “what did you learn” quiz or intra-session “touch-base.” But there are also licenses that allow more questions, different question types, and some pretty impressive capabilities for various events and campaigns.

From https://www.mentimeter.com/plans

How do I get started?

  1. Sign up for a free account (always free, no end date or trial period)
  2. See how the available options work for you
  3. Upgrade to unlock advanced features

How to create a live poll or quiz using Mentimeter

  1. Once signed in, click “New Presentation,” name and click “Create Presentation”

  2. Choose quiz if you’ll be awarding points for accuracy and speed, otherwise choose from available survey types (no correct answers, just polling the audience). After each is added and configured, click “New Slide” to create another.
  3. When you’re ready to present, click “Present” and you’ll go full-window with an view suitable for the big screen, and that pulls in real-time responses from attendees:

On an attendee’s phone (or tablet/computer), they see mobile-friendly options for interacting with your questions:

  • Accessing your presentation
  • Responding to a question
  • Once completed