Web version of OneDrive for Business picks up new tricks this month

Kareem Anderson

Web version of OneDrive picks up new trick

While we’re eagerly and almost emphatically waiting for build updates for phones and PCs, the OneDrive for Business team is ready to announce some interesting updates that start today and will continue roll out until the end of this month. The bulk of the updates are in regards to one of Window’s core features — file management.

Simpler File actions

It looks like there will be simple right-click menus added so users familiar with Windows will be able to easily and quickly manage their files on the web the same way they do on their tablets or PCs. This right click function brings familiar actions like edit, download, share, copy/move and delete.

 Web version of OneDrive picks up new trick

Searching and discovering

Similar to the way search is being built into Windows 10, business users will now be able to simple start typing search words and OneDrive will start showing files and folders that fall under your search. This search will retrieve files regardless of where they are located in OneDrive; either your files or files shared with others.

Web version of OneDrive picks up new trick

The OneDrive team is also making changes to its presentation of files. OneDrive for Business will be transitioning to a lead image card-like layout that provides easily viewable previews of the users files plus context around where the file may be stored in their OneDrive account. The OneDrive team mentions that this experience in similar to the one in Delve. Speaking of which, users have access to Delve straight from the recent files page.

Web version of OneDrive picks up new trick

Sharing folders

Users can now create folders in OneDrive for Business and invite people to those created folders as it is created, as opposed to creating the folder and then going back an inviting after the fact. Little niceties like these may not change entire workflows but they add even more ways of getting things done more efficiently for some. 

Web version of OneDrive picks up new trick

The OneDrive for Business team is hoping that these additions will make business users more adept at using a browser based version of OneDrive in conjunction with mobile offerings heading into the future. Regardless of where you are accessing your OneDrive work files you have a rich experience that’s tailored to the specific device you are working on.

“Whether you’re editing that whitepaper on your PC or Mac, reviewing and adjusting a colleague’s changes to your spreadsheet on your tablet or quickly reviewing your presentation on your phone in the taxi on the way to the big client meeting – the combination of OneDrive and Office makes the process quick and easy. This is simply another step forward, we’re working every day to make OneDrive the one place for all your personal and work files,” writes Reuben Krippner, Director of Product Management for OneDrive.