Microsoft OneDrive Gets AI-Powered Search, New Copilot Features, Revamped Mobile App

Microsoft has announced a series of major updates to OneDrive, including an enhanced search experience, new Copilot features, and security tools for IT administrators.

Published: Oct 08, 2024

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Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft OneDrive has introduced a new search experience, allowing users to find files faster using natural language commands and new filter controls.
  • A refreshed OneDrive mobile app offers seamless integration with other cloud services.
  • Microsoft OneDrive is getting new security features that empower IT admins with advanced compliance tools and data monitoring capabilities.

Microsoft announced a host of new features for its OneDrive cloud storage service today, aimed at improving functionality across multiple platforms. Key updates include an improved search experience, enhancements to Copilot in OneDrive, a redesigned mobile app, and a more intuitive photos experience.

First off, Microsoft OneDrive is getting an enhanced search experience to help users quickly find important files. Microsoft has already started rolling out this feature and it will become generally available for commercial customers later this year.

“Our improved search experience is a game-changer. With new filter controls and more detailed results, find the exact file or folder faster and easier—whether it’s stored in your OneDrive, a shared library, or a folder from a teammate,” said Jason Moore, VP of Product for OneDrive.

Microsoft OneDrive is also bringing support for colored folders to Windows File Explorer. In mid-2025, the company plans to release major updates to the document library experience that should help to improve the overall performance and reliability. Microsoft has also added a new Offline mode that allows users to view, edit, and organize their files without an Internet connection.

microsoft onedrive colored folders
Colored Folders in Windows File Explorer (Image Credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft launches an updated OneDrive mobile app

Microsoft has launched a refreshed OneDrive mobile app, which allows users to import photos, videos, and documents from Google Drive, Google Photos, and Dropbox. There is also a new AI-powered search experience to help users quickly find specific photos. Microsoft has begun rolling out the new OneDrive mobile experience for Android devices, with the iOS version expected to follow in November.

Updates for Copilot in OneDrive and Copilot Agents

Microsoft also announced today that Copilot in OneDrive is now generally available for all commercial customers. The AI assistant is designed to help users find specific files with natural language commands, extract and summarize information, and more.

With Copilot in OneDrive, users can now compare up to five files, including PowerPoints, Word documents, and PDFs. Keep in mind that Copilot in OneDrive is only available for commercial customers with a Copilot for Microsoft 365 license.

copilot in onedrive
Copilot in OneDrive (Image Credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft has added support for Copilot Agents to OneDrive, allowing users to build custom AI assistants and automate repetitive tasks. The company says that Copilot Agents work across OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and other platforms.

New security and management features for IT admins

Microsoft has highlighted new AI-powered policies and controls to help administrators better manage security, compliance, and data integrity within their organizations. The Site Policy Comparison Report lets IT admins identify similar sites and missing policies with a few clicks. This feature will be available in public preview by the end of this year.

Additionally, the OneDrive Sync Health Reports feature is getting a new integration with Microsoft Graph Data Connect (MGDC). It lets administrators export data into Power BI or Excel to get customized reports for monitoring inactive sites and backup errors. This capability is available in public preview for commercial customers.

onedrive policies
Restricted Content Discoverability (Image Credit: Microsoft)

Later this year, Microsoft will introduce a new Restricted Content Discoverability (RCD) policy to prevent certain files from appearing in Copilot-generated results. In early 2025, OneDrive users will be able to archive individual files within their SharePoint Document Libraries. However, users will have the ability to search and restore these files at any time.

Lastly, Microsoft has announced a slew of changes coming to OneDrive in the coming months. The revamped photos experience will soon be available across all platforms, including Windows, macOS, and the web. Other capabilities include a new Designer integration, personalized views, as well as the integration of one-click AI actions within File Explorer and macOS’s Finder.

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