Microsoft's OneDrive cloud storage has plenty of useful productivity features that help you get around your file libraries. Colored folders are a relatively new feature that not every OneDrive user is aware of. While the ability to have colorful folders might seem minor at first glance, it can be very helpful for sorting stuff in your OneDrive. Microsoft says the feature lets users "personalize and manage folder colors for better content visibility." Even Apple agrees with this—iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26 let you change folder colors in the Files/Finder app.
Change folder color in OneDrive on Windows
The process is very simple, but it is not the same as changing a folder icon in File Explorer. While you can change the icon of any folder in OneDrive on Windows 11 (Right Click > Properties > Customize > Change Icon), these icons do not sync across platforms. At the same time, while OneDrive folder colors do sync, the feature is not available for personal accounts in the web version of OneDrive. As for mobile devices, it is coming soon to Android and iOS OneDrive clients.
Despite the current limitations, here is how to change folder colors in OneDrive on Windows:
- Make sure OneDrive is set up and running and sync is not paused.
- Find the folder whose color you want to change, and right-click it.
- Select OneDrive > Folder Color.
- Pick one of the 16 colors available and click Ok.
- The OneDrive app will sync your changes so that they appear across all devices that support folder colors in OneDrive.
If you have a business account, you can open OneDrive for the web, right-click any folder and select Folder Color. Changes will sync across your devices right away.
Do you find colored folders in OneDrive useful? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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