Chromebooks and Microsoft Onedrive

Relevant to: students

This article contains information considered accurate at the time of publishing. Technology updates, changes in University security practices, policies and procedures may effect the information in this article - updates to articles are scheduled on a periodic basis and will address any required changes.

Overview

Chromebooks have very limited local storage and are designed to store most files in the cloud. For students using Microsoft 365, OneDrive is the recommended location for saving assignments, documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

While Brightspace includes built-in options for uploading files directly from Google Drive and Dropbox, it does not currently offer a direct connection to OneDrive. As a result, students must first download a file from OneDrive to their Chromebook before uploading it to Brightspace.

Understanding this workflow can help prevent confusion when submitting assignments.

Saving Your Work to OneDrive

To help ensure your work is backed up and available from any device:

1. Sign in to your Microsoft 365 account.
2. Open OneDrive.
3. Create folders to organize your coursework, if desired.
4. Save Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly to OneDrive whenever possible.
5. Verify that your files have finished syncing before closing your browser or signing out.

Using OneDrive reduces the risk of losing work if your Chromebook is damaged, lost, or replaced.

Uploading a OneDrive File to Brightspace

Because Brightspace does not currently support browsing OneDrive directly, you’ll need to download your file first.

Step 1: Download the file from OneDrive

1. Sign in to Microsoft 365 and open OneDrive.


2. Locate the file you want to submit.


3. Select the file. 


4. On the ellipsis or More Options, choose Download.


5. The file will be saved to your Chromebook’s Downloads folder. 


6.  

Step 2: Upload the file to Brightspace

1. Open your Brightspace course. 


2. Navigate to the assignment, discussion, or quiz requiring the file.


3. Select Add a File.


4. Choose My Computer.


5. Browse to the Downloads folder. 
6. Select your downloaded file to Upload it into the assignment.


7. Complete the submission and verify that the file appears before submitting.

 

Tips

• Save your work to OneDrive while you’re editing it.
• Download the most recent version before submitting it to Brightspace.
• Double-check that you’re uploading the correct file.
• After submitting, confirm that Brightspace displays the uploaded file or submission confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I upload directly from OneDrive?

Brightspace currently includes built-in cloud integrations for Google Drive and Dropbox, but not Microsoft OneDrive. This means OneDrive files must first be downloaded to your Chromebook before they can be uploaded to OneDrive.

Where does my downloaded file go?

Downloaded files are typically stored in the Chromebook’s Downloads folder within the Files app.

Should I keep files only in Downloads?

No. The Downloads folder is intended for temporary storage. Keep your primary copy in OneDrive, and only use the downloaded copy for uploading to Brightspace.

Can I delete the downloaded copy after submitting?

Yes. Once you’ve confirmed your assignment was successfully submitted, you can safely delete the downloaded copy. Your original file remains stored in OneDrive.