How to Modify Folder Colors in OneDrive

Microsoft’s OneDrive offers an array of productivity-enhancing features designed to streamline your file management experience in the cloud. One such feature that has flown under the radar for many users is the ability to customize folder colors. While it may initially appear to be a minor enhancement, folder color personalization can significantly improve how you organize and access your files. Microsoft emphasizes that this feature allows users to “personalize and manage folder colors for better content visibility.”Notably, Apple’s platforms—including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS—have also embraced this capability, allowing users to change folder colors in their Files and Finder applications.

How to Modify Folder Colors in OneDrive on Windows

Changing folder colors in OneDrive on Windows is a straightforward process, but it’s important to note that it differs from the traditional method of altering folder icons in File Explorer. While folder icons can be changed (by navigating to Right Click > Properties > Customize > Change Icon), these changes won’t sync across different platforms. Fortunately, the new colored folder feature does sync your color customizations; however, it is currently unavailable for personal OneDrive accounts when accessed via the web. Moreover, this feature is on the horizon for both Android and iOS OneDrive applications.

Below are the steps to change folder colors in OneDrive for Windows:

Ensure that OneDrive is properly set up, and verify that syncing is active.
Locate the folder whose color you’d like to alter, then right-click on it.
Select OneDrive > Folder Color.
Choose one of the 16 available colors and click Ok.
Your selected color will sync across all compatible devices using OneDrive.

For users with a business account, the process is even easier: access OneDrive via the web, right-click on any folder, and choose Folder Color. Your changes will instantly sync across your devices.

Do you find the ability to customize folder colors in OneDrive beneficial? We would love to hear your opinions in the comments section.

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