Install & Configure OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync

OneDrive for Business is a cloud service from Microsoft designed for you to store, sync, and share your work files. As part of Office 365 or SharePoint Server 2013, OneDrive for Business lets you and your team members update, share and collaborate on any of your Office documents from anywhere, on virtually any device.

Microsoft has recently made lots of improvement to the client that syncs files between your local computer and your remote cloud-hosted OneDrive for Business folder.

This blog post highlights some of the new features (and things to be aware of) of the OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client, and provides instructions on how to install the newly released client.

New Features Highlights

1. Improved reliability and performance
2. Selective sync
3. Support for large file up to 10 GB in size
4. Removing 20,000 file sync limit
5. Admin controls to deploy and configure for end users for Windows and Mac OS X

Software Requirements

Requirements as of writing:

• Windows 10, Windows 8, windows 7 or Mac OS X 10.9 and above.

Note that the New Sync client will work side–by-side with the existing sync client.

Installation and Setup

Step 1

Download and install the new OneDrive for Business sync client.

After the client is installed, you’ll see the following screen. At this stage, the client only shows the Sign in with Your Microsoft account option. The OneDrive accessed with your Microsoft account (such as Hotmail.com MSM.com and Outlook.com) is NOT OneDrive for Business, part of Office 365. This is your personal OneDrive associated with your Microsoft account. In order to sign in to your OneDrive for Business account associated with your Office 365 subscription, follow the instructions in step 2.

Step 2

Extract the Deployment Package, open DefaultToBusinessFRE.reg and then open EnableAddAccount.reg

After importing the registry keys, you will need to open the sync client from the windows start menu. This time it will show the Sign in with your work or school account option.

Step 3

Sign in and configure the folder location (optional).

Step 4

Select the folder that you want to sync locally and click next.

At this stage, the configuration is complete. Click on Open my OneDrive to go to your local folder.

The Windows Taskbar will show the sync client icon and status of the sync.

You’re all set and the new client has been successfully installed.

What’s Not Supported in the First Release of the New Sync Client?

1. The new sync client does not support syncing site libraries or on-premises instances of One Drive for Business
2. The new Sync client is not supported in windows 8.1. Support for this version will be added later on
3. If a user opens an Office document from their locally synced folder in Windows Explorer, the Office application does not detect that the file is a OneDrive for Business cloud-stored file. As a result, the following limitations apply:
   • The user can’t participate in a co-authoring session of the document
   • The ‘Most Recently Used’ list is updated with the local path to the document, not the cloud location
   • Sharing via OneDrive for Business from the backstage of the Office app is not available
   • Modern attachments are not available in Outlook 2016 because the system assumes that the attachment is a locally stored file versus a OneDrive for Business cloud-stored file
4. Microsoft has announced that the above stated limitations will be resolved for the Windows sync client in the second quarter of 2016. The above stated issues can be avoided by training users on how to properly open files. If they want co-authoring support and in-app sharing options, they need to open the documents in one of the following ways:
   • Open command in the Office application
   • Use Office Web Apps for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
5. There is currently no automated way to migrate content from an existing sync client to a new sync client but this feature will be available during the first quarter of 2016

For more information about OneDrive for Business, please contact FMT Consultants.

Written by:
Abdur Raheem, Senior SharePoint Consultant
FMT Consultants

FAQs

What is OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client?

OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client is a tool that allows users to synchronize their OneDrive for Business files with their local computers. It enables users to access, edit and share their files from anywhere, on any device, and offline. It is the latest version of the sync client for OneDrive for Business.

How to install and configure OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client?

To install and configure OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client, please follow these steps:

• Download the installer from the Microsoft website.
• Run the installer and follow the prompts to install the sync client.
• Sign in to OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client using your Office 365 account credentials.
• Select the folders you want to sync.
• Click on the “Start sync” button to begin syncing your files.

What are the benefits of using OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client?

The benefits of using OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client include:

• Access to files from any device, anywhere
• Easy collaboration with others
• Automatic syncing of files, ensuring that the latest version is always available
• File version history and conflict resolution

What are the system requirements for OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client?

The system requirements for OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client are:

• Windows 7, 8.1, or 10
• Windows Server 2008 R2, 2012 R2, or 2016
• A computer that runs a supported operating system and has a minimum of .NET Framework 4.5.2.
• An active Office 365 Business, Business Premium, or Enterprise subscription

How to troubleshoot OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client issues?

To troubleshoot OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client issues, you can try the following steps:

• Check your internet connection
• Restart the OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client
• Check if the OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client is up to date
• Check if the files or folders you’re trying to sync are within the file size limit
• Check if the files or folders you’re trying to sync have valid characters or file names
• If the issue persists, please contact Microsoft support.