While SkyDrive is becoming a major player in the Windows ecosystem as cloud storage solution and a good competitor of Dropbox, Google Drive and Apple’s iCloud, there still some limitations when it comes to Windows RT. For example, both Windows 8 and RT have available the Microsoft’s official SkyDrive app, but Windows 8 is the one that allows you to get access to files through the desktop and within the Windows Store app.
Although, if you are up to the task, there is a way to map a SkyDrive folder in Windows RT, that can be really handy in your brand new Surface RT or in any other RT device. The advantage of doing this is that you will not have to jump from one experience to another just to get access to or sync a file. It will become much easier to upload your photos, videos and any other documents. Additionally, in a way, it will expand the storage space in your device for free.
Follow the step-by-step guide below to accomplish this task:
Instructions
1. Launch Internet Explorer and sign-in to your SkyDrive account.
2. From the left pane, right-click Files and select Copy shortcut (or Copy Link Address in Chrome). If you paste the clipboard content on a text file, you’ll end up with a link similar to this one:
3. Open the File Explorer, navigate to Computer and from the Ribbon’s menu click or tap the Map network drive option.
4. Select a Drive letter that isn’t being used by any of your current devices. In the Folder field type: https://d.docs.live.net/ follow by the CID number next to the link, like this:
Then choose whether to reconnect at sign-in and click Finish.
5. Now you’ll be prompted to enter a username and password. Type your SkyDrive email address and type corresponding to the account and click OK.
Wait for a short moment and the mounted folder should show up in Computer.
That’s basically all you need to do. Now you’ll be able to get access and upload documents from the Windows RT desktop experience. If you prefer, this will also work in Windows 8 Pro or Core.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].