OneDrive Installer: A Comprehensive Guide

When setting up OneDrive, users have the option of installing it as a per-user or per-machine application. In this article, we will delve into the differences between these two options and explore the benefits of using the per-machine installation method.

Per-User Installation vs Per-Machine Installation

The per-user installation option installs OneDrive for each user account on a PC under the %localappdata% folder. This means that each user will have their own instance of OneDrive, which can be beneficial for users who want to keep their files and settings separate from other users.

On the other hand, the per-machine installation option installs OneDrive under the 'Program Files (x86)' or 'Program Files' directory, depending on the OS architecture. This option is especially useful for computers with multiple users and for when you don't want executable files running from a user profile.

Running the Per-Machine Installation

To run the per-machine installation, users can use the command prompt window and run 'OneDriveSetup.exe /allusers'. This will result in a User Account Control prompt. Alternatively, users can also use Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager to install OneDrive as a per-machine application.

Benefits of Per-Machine Installation

The per-machine installation option provides several benefits. First and foremost, it allows for automatic transitioning from the previous OneDrive for Business sync app (Groove.exe). This means that users who are currently using the Groove app will be able to seamlessly transition to the new OneDrive sync app without having to make any changes.

Another benefit of the per-machine installation is that it supports syncing OneDrive and SharePoint files in Microsoft 365 and in SharePoint Server 2019. This allows users to access their files from anywhere, at any time, making it easier for them to collaborate with others and stay productive.

System Requirements

The system requirements for the per-machine installation are the same as those for the per-user installation. This means that users will need to ensure that their PC meets the minimum system requirements in order to install OneDrive.

Updating Settings

If users are moving from a per-user installation to a per-machine installation, they should note that update settings will not be affected. This means that users can continue to use their existing settings and configurations without having to make any changes.

In conclusion, the per-machine installation option is a great choice for users who want to install OneDrive on their PC without having to worry about multiple instances of the app running under different user accounts. With its automatic transitioning feature from Groove.exe, support for syncing with SharePoint files in Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Server 2019, and same system requirements as the per-user installation, the per-machine installation option is a great choice for users who want to get the most out of their OneDrive experience.

One drive installer