Microsoft adds new features to the OneDrive for Business Next Generation Sync Client

Read about the new features below.

• Windows 8.1 support—This completes our commitment around Windows OS support (7, 8, 8.1 and 10).
• Office 2016 integration—In conjunction with an Office 2016 update currently rolling out, key features such as real-time co-authoring, open documents from the Most Recent list and share documents from within the Office app will be available.
• Improved setup—Now it’s easy for anyone to get and install the new OneDrive sync client. No more registry keys needed on Windows or Terminal window on Mac!
• Seamless client migration—If you are running the previous sync client (groove.exe), this update seamlessly transitions without requiring a resync. For full details go here.
• Pause sync—A handy feature when you want to suspend syncing for a period of time, like when you are tethered to your phone or using Wi-Fi on an airplane.
• View files online—You can now right click any document in Windows Explorer and select “view online” to navigate to the OneDrive for Business file or folder in the browser.
• Sync any file type you want—We’ve added support for .json, .aspx, .swf files and more; you can now add any file type to your OneDrive for Business.
• Block file types—IT admins can now block certain file types from syncing, such as PST or MKV files protecting limited bandwidth.
• Performance and reliability improvements—Give small files in particular a big boost in upload and download speed.

All the above new features will be available to all customers within 1–2 weeks, the Office 2016 integration (including the associated Office 2016 update) and Pause sync features will continue rolling out during the course of the summer.

Microsoft will roll out additional sync updates to be rolled out later this year:

• Manage bandwidth—By the end of June, we’ll deliver IT controls to throttle bandwidth consumption of the client.
• Extended Windows Explorer integration—A simple right-click action to get a link or share files directly in Windows Explorer.
• SharePoint Document Library Sync—We’re adding SharePoint Online document library sync, starting with a preview in the third quarter of 2016, with general release by the end of 2016.