Can someone explain "OneDrive" to me?

[StarrFoxDesigns]

When I go into my file explorer on my laptop there's a file I've never used called "OneDrive" and has a little picture of a cloud beside it. Is that "The Cloud" I've heard about?

From what I understand, that's like a sort of share server where I can store my files, is that right? Can other people access any content I might save on there? Is it safe or does it leave you vulnerable to viruses or any other problems?

I'm asking because I'd like to move some of my content off my hardrive to free up space and hopefully make my computer run a bit faster. I do have an external hard drive but I'd prefer something I can access straight from my laptop without needing to save to another device.

Any help would be greatly appreciated :) 

(I'm on a PC if that makes any difference).

[JeanieBeanHandKnits]

I have it too and never knew what it was for. Found this online:   https://www.computerworld.com/article/3256907/microsoft-windows/how-to-use-onedrive-in-windows-10-to...

[iKnitForMomsAndKids]

I am not a Windows user, but recently had to help someone. To access the files stored on OneDrive you have to log in, so they are not available to any person who doesn't know your login and password. I woldn't worry about viruses cause you move your own files to OneDrive. If the files are viruses free, there should be no viruses on your OneDrive. You can access your files from any computer (not necessarily a Windows one) or phone.

I would look for help on Microsof Support webpage, eg.:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/17184/windows-10-onedrive

There should be more help on support.microsoft.com

[designbcb]

Photos I take with my tablet and phone automatically go into my one drive. It's cloud storage from microsoft. You can also place videos and documents there and access them from anywhere. It's pretty generous, too. All my etsy photos are there along with anything else I take. Been there for ten years and I haven't come close to running out of space.

[BigDogLadysJools]

Thanks for explaining this.  I was wondering what it was, too. :)

Best wishes,