How to Install and Use OneDrive Client on Linux Ubuntu

Created by: laczi.ostr

How to Install and Use OneDrive Client on Linux Ubuntu

OneDrive is a popular cloud storage solution by Microsoft, offering users the convenience of storing and syncing files across different devices. While it’s primarily designed for Windows, Ubuntu users can also integrate OneDrive into their workflow. This article will guide you through the process of installing and using OneDrive on Ubuntu, enabling you to sync files seamlessly.

Introduction

With the growing reliance on cloud storage solutions, OneDrive has become a go-to service for many users. Its tight integration with Microsoft Office and other productivity tools makes it ideal for those using both Windows and Linux. However, Microsoft does not officially provide a OneDrive client for Linux users, which means you need to rely on third-party solutions to access your OneDrive files on Ubuntu.

This guide will help you install a reliable OneDrive client on Ubuntu, enabling you to sync, upload, and download your OneDrive files directly from your Linux system. We will also cover basic commands to manage your OneDrive sync process and some useful tips for troubleshooting common issues. By the end of this article, you'll be able to seamlessly access and manage your OneDrive files on your Ubuntu machine.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing OneDrive on Ubuntu

1. Install Dependencies

Before installing the OneDrive client, ensure that your system is up to date and the necessary packages are installed.

sudo apt update sudo apt install libcurl4-openssl-dev libsqlite3-dev

This step ensures your system has the required libraries for the OneDrive client to function correctly.

2. Install the OneDrive Client

The most widely used OneDrive client for Linux is developed by the open-source community. To install it, follow these steps:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yann1ck/onedrive sudo apt update sudo apt install onedrive

This adds the OneDrive client repository to your system and installs the OneDrive client.

3. Authenticate Your OneDrive Account

Once the installation is complete, you need to authenticate the client with your OneDrive account. Run the following command to authenticate:

onedrive

You will be given a URL to visit in your browser. After logging into your Microsoft account, copy the authentication code and paste it back into the terminal. This process links your OneDrive account with the Linux client.

4. Set Up OneDrive Sync

By default, the OneDrive client will sync files from your cloud storage to a local directory. You can modify sync settings by creating a configuration file in your home directory:

mkdir -p ~/.config/onedrive nano ~/.config/onedrive/config

In the configuration file, you can specify which directories to sync, whether to automatically upload files from your local directory, and more.

5. Start OneDrive Sync

To start syncing, simply run:

onedrive --synchronize

This command will initiate the sync process between your local folder and OneDrive. You can automate the syncing process by setting up a systemd service, allowing OneDrive to sync automatically on startup.

systemctl --user enable onedrive systemctl --user start onedrive

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Sometimes you may encounter issues during the installation or sync process. Below are some common problems and solutions:

Authentication errors: If you are having trouble authenticating, ensure that you have entered the correct credentials and try re-running the onedrive command.
Sync issues: If files are not syncing as expected, double-check your configuration file and ensure you have the correct permissions for the OneDrive folder.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you should now have the OneDrive client installed and running on your Ubuntu system. While it might require some initial setup, the client offers a reliable way to sync and manage your OneDrive files. Whether you're working across multiple operating systems or just prefer Ubuntu as your main OS, integrating OneDrive enhances your productivity by making your files accessible wherever you go.

For advanced users, there are additional configuration options that allow you to fine-tune sync operations, ignore specific files, or automate the process entirely. With this setup, you’ll be able to manage your OneDrive storage without relying on a browser or Windows-specific tools.

References

GitHub: abraunegg/onedrive
Ubuntu Documentation: Ubuntu
Microsoft OneDrive: OneDrive