OneDrive’s Personal Vault is a secure place to save your most precious and private files and photographs, without giving up the freedom to access them from any device, at any time.
With proper help, you can set up two-factor authentication for your Personal Vault, using either your fingerprint, face, PIN, or a code delivered to your email or SMS. This additional safeguard protects your protected Personal Vault data even if an unauthorized party obtains access to your account or device.
After a period of inactivity, Personal Vault locks and requires you to provide a password in order to access your files again. The files you save in Personal Vault are accessible from any computer or mobile device that can access OneDrive.
Create a secure vault in OneDrive
To save sensitive information in an extra-safe location inside OneDrive, you may create a Personal Vault. Set it up independently on each device you want to use it on.
- When you first access Personal Vault in OneDrive, you’ll be prompted to start using it by clicking the Get started button.
- Launch Your Private Vault
- In case you missed the alert or choose to ignore it, you may access your personal vault by going to your OneDrive and selecting the Personal Vault folder.
- Check out the info on the Private Vault and then press Next or Continue (It varies depending on your device).
- Verify your account information in the Verify your identification dialogue box and make a note of your email address for later. Once you’re done, click the Verify button.
- To go to the next screen in the OneDrive mobile app, you must first sign in to OneDrive.
- Pick one way of checking that you trust. Choose Text and proceed with the on-screen prompts to send a text message to yourself.
- The text or email message with the code must be located and entered.
Take note that you may have to update your account details if you don’t get a code. For instance, you should provide a valid cell phone number for your account.
Add data to your own private vault using Personal Vault
Your Personal Vault storage space is limited to three items if you don’t subscribe to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family. There is no limit to the number of files you may upload so long as you have a membership (up to your storage limit).
- Go to the Personal Vault folder in your OneDrive.
- Sign in using your preferred form of identity verification when asked to do so. Choose Text and proceed with the on-screen prompts to send a text message to yourself.
- Choose to upload.
- After choosing the files you want to submit, click the Open button.
Tips:
The OneDrive mobile app allows you to scan documents, snap images, and record video all into your Personal Vault, rather than storing them in less secure locations on your device, including the camera roll.
The Folder option on the Submission menu in Chrome and Edge allows users to drag and drop whole folders onto the webpage for upload.
Transfer data to your own secure vault
Your existing OneDrive content may be copied over to your Personal Vault. Go to the Personal Vault folder in your OneDrive.
- Sign in using your preferred form of identity verification when asked to do so. Choose Text and proceed with the on-screen prompts to send a text message to yourself.
- Choose the current location from which you want to relocate.
- Simply choose the files you wish to transfer, and then click the Move things button (or drag the items to your open Personal Vault).
You should know that you can only save a maximum of three files in your Personal Vault if you don’t subscribe to Microsoft 365 Family or Personal. There is no limit to the number of files you may upload so long as you have a membership (up to your storage limit).
Open Your Private Safe
When you’re not using your Personal Vault, it locks for security purposes. The amount of time that passes before OneDrive locks may be modified. This is the key to opening it.
- Go to the Personal Vault folder in your OneDrive.
- Select an authentication method to confirm your identity. Choose Text and proceed with the on-screen prompts to send a text message to yourself.
- If you were provided a code through text or email, you’ll need to access that message and enter the code it contains.
- The Microsoft Authenticator software may be used to access the Private Vault. Access codes may be generated by the app without an active Internet connection.
Protect your Private Vault by Locking It
You have the option to secure your Private Vault at any moment.
- Go to the Personal Vault folder in your OneDrive.
- To secure your private vault, click the gear symbol.
- Turn Off Your Private Safe
- Disabling Personal Vault causes all of the files stored in it at the moment of disabling to be deleted forever. These data are permanently deleted and cannot be restored.
- To access your personal vault in OneDrive, go to Settings > Settings > Update your profile, install apps, and sync to the cloud > Options.
- To turn off Personal Vault, choose the toggle to the left of the word.
If you’re sure you want to get rid of everything stored in your Personal Vault, you may deactivate it by clicking the Disable button.
It will ask again, since turning off Personal Vault would permanently erase all of your data without any way to retrieve it. Choose “Disable” once again if you’re sure.
