The downsides of Microsoft OneDrive: Bugs galore!

Microsoft OneDrive is often presented by Microsoft itself as a reliable cloud storage solution, but like many software-based products, not everything runs smoothly. The problem that frustrates many users particularly is that OneDrive often does not sync as expected.

An additional stubborn issue that has plagued users for months concerns the display of shared folders. Many users have reported that these only appear as shortcuts that open in a web browser. This bug is especially annoying, as it significantly restricts the user experience, and Microsoft has yet to provide an effective solution. The fact that such a problem does not seem to be a priority raises questions about maintenance and customer support. We have been able to reproduce this problem multiple times over the past three months on different Windows and macOS computers, even with the latest updates.

Another point of criticism is the aggressive integration of OneDrive into the Windows ecosystem. Similar to the era of Internet Explorer, which was once included by default with Windows, OneDrive often comes unwanted and automatically with Windows installations. For many users, this approach leaves little room to choose an alternative solution, especially since 1TB of cloud storage is included in the Office subscription package.

The problems with OneDrive are a classic example of what can happen when a technology company focuses more on market share than on the actual quality of its products. While other services offer more functionalities and a better user experience, Microsoft often relies on the integration into large software packages to enhance the distribution of their products.

It is worth considering alternatives, especially if you rely on a reliable and stable cloud storage solution. Products like Google Drive or Dropbox often offer more robust solutions that perform well in testing results and user feedback, making them worth considering.

If you're fed up with the constant problems of OneDrive, you can also become completely independent from large providers – with your own cloud. The solution: a NAS system (Network Attached Storage) that operates at home and is accessible from anywhere. This way, you retain full control over your data – without ongoing costs.

A NAS can be easily connected to your home router. Many manufacturers offer their own apps and services that allow access on the go – whether from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Thus, a NAS acts like a personal cloud, but without dependence on external services.

We regularly work with Synology products and particularly recommend them for beginners. The devices are quick to set up, offer a user-friendly interface, and run stably in everyday use. With the BeeDrive series, Synology specifically targets users who have had little experience with network storage.

A major advantage: after purchasing a NAS, there are no monthly fees. Of course, a hard drive can malfunction – but in a RAID system, this is not a problem. The affected hard drive can simply be replaced without losing data. Generally, hard drives last easily 5 years and longer (according to our own experiences).

All data is stored locally. Even if the Internet goes down, important files remain accessible. And: your data stays at your home – not on unknown servers somewhere in the world. This ensures more privacy and data security.

With "Synology Drive," multiple users can be set up on one system – with separate accesses and individual permissions. Shared folders can be flexibly shared, and even an office suite for browser use is integrated. This makes Synology an attractive solution for families, small teams, or freelancers. The client for Windows and macOS also offers the function of not downloading all folders and files locally. For example, important folders can be permanently synchronized locally on the device.