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Feature Suggestion for OneDrive: Seamless Cloud Storage Integration as Local Drive

Ashiqur Zaman Arshad 20 Reputation points
2025-08-06T06:52:17.1966667+00:00

Dear Microsoft Community and OneDrive Team,

I am writing as a user of OneDrive to propose a feature enhancement for the OneDrive desktop application that could significantly improve user experience. Currently, the Google Drive Desktop Application offers a highly effective feature by mounting cloud storage as a local drive in Windows File Explorer or This PC. This integration allows Windows to treat Google Drive as local storage, enabling seamless access to files, including the ability to stream videos directly using media players like VLC without downloading the entire file.

In contrast, OneDrive’s desktop version requires users to download the entire file and make it offline before it can be used or even previewed quickly. This limitation is particularly inconvenient for users working with large media files, as it consumes local storage and time, even for a brief preview.

I respectfully suggest that Microsoft implement a feature for OneDrive that allows cloud-stored files to be accessed and streamed directly from File Explorer as if they were stored locally, without requiring a full download or offline status. This would greatly enhance OneDrive’s usability, especially for users with limited local storage or those who frequently work with large files and need efficient access or quick previews.

I believe this addition would make OneDrive more competitive and user-friendly, aligning it with the evolving needs of cloud storage users. I would appreciate any feedback or updates from the community or the OneDrive team regarding the feasibility of this feature.

Thank you for your attention and for continuously improving OneDrive to meet user needs.

Sincerely, A Dedicated OneDrive User from Bangladesh

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For business | Windows
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  2. Vasil Michev 120.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-08-06T07:37:18.79+00:00

    The best place to put request and suggestions is over at the Feedback portal, where the corresponding PMs lurk: https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/forum/e3f04660-2c1c-ec11-b6e7-0022481f8472

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  3. Tamara-Hu 1,015 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-08-06T09:23:34.1866667+00:00

    Hello @Ashiqur Zaman Arshad,

    Thank you for posting your feedback in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

    I understand this limitation can cause inconvenience to OneDrive users. You can give feedback to the Microsoft OneDrive team in two main ways:

    1. Use the Microsoft Feedback Portal

    Visit the official OneDrive · Community. . There, you can:

    • Search existing feedback to see if your idea has already been submitted.
    • Vote or comment on existing suggestions.
    • Submit your own feedback if it hasn’t been posted yet.

    You'll need to sign in with your Microsoft account to participate.

    2. Send Feedback Directly from the OneDrive App

    Depending on your device and version:

    • On Desktop (Windows):
      • Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray.
      • Select Help & Settings → Send feedback.
    • On Mobile:
      • Tap Me → Help & feedback.

    Note: If you don’t see the feedback option, your administrator may have disabled it.

    The Product Team is in-charge of the feedback site, and they are constantly checking the comments and feedback from our customer. Many features have been developed or improved based on users' comment.    

    In the meantime, you can check Microsoft 365 Roadmap for updating features in the future. I will also forward your feedback to the appropriate team for further consideration.    

    Thank you for your understanding so far!   

  4. Craig Long 13,955 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-08-07T23:15:48.4966667+00:00

    A suggestion:

    Go to OneDrive.com. Add your videos to an album. You can use the "Create album from folder" tab. When you hover over the thumbnails in the album, the videos will play. That is a great way to preview the videos. Videos in a folder will not play when hovered over, but they will in an album.

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