What’s the Difference Between OneDrive and SharePoint?
When working with Microsoft 365, you may wonder: Should I save files in OneDrive or SharePoint? While both services allow you to store and share files, they serve different purposes.
Understanding the differences will help you choose the right tool for storing, collaborating, and managing business documents.
🚀 Brought to you by Axio Networks, an award-winning managed IT provider in Scottsdale, Arizona. We help businesses optimize their Microsoft 365 environment with best-in-class IT solutions.
📌 What is OneDrive?
OneDrive is your personal cloud storage for work files.
✔ Best for individual use – Store personal work documents.
✔ Accessible on any device – Sync files across PC, Mac, and mobile.
✔ Private by default – Files are visible only to you unless shared.
✔ Easy sharing – Send links to colleagues when collaboration is needed.
✅ Think of OneDrive as your work “My Documents” in the cloud.
📌 What is SharePoint?
SharePoint is a team-based document management system.
✔ Best for team collaboration – Store files that multiple users need access to.
✔ Organized into sites & libraries – Helps keep company files structured.
✔ Stronger access control – Set permissions for teams, departments, or individuals.
✔ Version control – Track document changes and restore previous versions.
✅ Think of SharePoint as your company’s “filing cabinet” in the cloud.
📌 Key Differences: OneDrive vs. SharePoint
| Feature | OneDrive 🟦 | SharePoint 🟧 |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Personal file storage | Team & company-wide collaboration |
| Default Access | Private to you | Shared with teams |
| File Organization | User-managed folders | Team sites & document libraries |
| Collaboration | Sharing individual files | Multi-user co-editing & version control |
| Security & Permissions | User controls file access | IT/admins control permissions |
✅ Use OneDrive for personal work files. Use SharePoint for team collaboration.
📌 When to Use OneDrive vs. SharePoint?
✔ Use OneDrive when:
- You are working alone on a document.
- You don’t need team-wide access to the file.
- You want to draft a document before sharing it.
✔ Use SharePoint when:
- The file belongs to a department or project.
- Multiple users need to edit and collaborate on it.
- You want to store policies, reports, or shared resources.
✅ If you leave the company, OneDrive files are deleted, but SharePoint files remain accessible to your team.
💡 Axio Networks Pro Tip
For best collaboration, start your files in OneDrive and move them to SharePoint when they are ready for teamwide access.
Need help managing your Microsoft 365 environment? Axio Networks specializes in helping businesses secure, streamline, and optimize their cloud storage solutions. Contact us today! 🚀