How to Switch Between Personal and Business OneDrive Accounts in Windows
Question details
The user needs to access a Microsoft 365 Business OneDrive account in Windows File Explorer, which is currently only displaying a personal OneDrive account.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to access business cloud files locally through File Explorer on a PC that is connected to both personal and business Microsoft accounts.
- Observed behavior
- Windows File Explorer only opens the personal OneDrive folder and fails to display the business OneDrive folder.
Ensure you have the login credentials for your Microsoft 365 Business account ready, and verify that the OneDrive sync app is currently running in your Windows taskbar.
Add the Business Account to the OneDrive Sync App
You can run one personal and multiple business OneDrive accounts simultaneously by adding the business account to your existing OneDrive sync app settings.
Windows 10 supports syncing both account types within the same user profile without conflict. Your personal account typically offers 5 GB of free storage, while your business account is tied to your Microsoft 365 subscription. Adding the business account will create a dedicated, separate folder in File Explorer identified by your business email address.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows taskbar notification area. Click the gear icon (Help & Settings) in the top right corner of the flyout, and select Settings.
In the OneDrive Settings window, navigate to the Account tab and click the 'Add an account' button.
Enter your Microsoft 365 business email address and password when prompted by the setup wizard.
Complete the on-screen prompts. Once finished, open File Explorer. You will now see a new folder named 'OneDrive - [Your Company]' alongside your 'OneDrive - Personal' folder.
Edit Your Business and Personal Files with WPS Office
While managing your OneDrive accounts in Windows, you will need a reliable office suite to open your synced documents. WPS Office is a lightweight, free alternative that offers full compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, allowing you to edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files seamlessly directly from your OneDrive folders.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office on your Windows 10 laptop.
- 2. Open a document: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open', and select 'Browse'.
- 3. Select from OneDrive: Navigate to either your personal or business OneDrive folder in File Explorer to open and edit your documents effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link two personal OneDrive accounts on the same Windows PC?
No, Windows only supports syncing one personal OneDrive account per Windows user profile. If you need to access a second personal account, you must either switch Windows user profiles or access the files via your web browser.
Will unlinking my personal OneDrive delete my files?
Unlinking your account stops the syncing process, but your files remain safely stored in the cloud. Local copies will stay on your PC unless you choose to delete them during or after the unlinking process.
Why does my business OneDrive not show up in File Explorer?
This usually happens if the business account hasn't been added to the local OneDrive sync client yet. You need to manually add the business account through the OneDrive Account settings menu to make it visible in File Explorer.
