Accessing the WSU Storage SharePoint Site

Summary

Winona State University Information Technology Services (ITS) is launching a campus-wide initiative throughout 2025 and 2026 to modernize departmental file storage. This project will transition storage from traditional on-premises servers to a secure, cloud-based solution using Microsoft SharePoint. As part of this effort, ITS will collaborate with campus departments to replace existing network storage, commonly referred to as the S drive or Shared Drive by users.

Information Applies to

Faculty, Staff, Student workers

Benefits of the Migration

• Anywhere Access: Securely access files from any device, on or off campus.
• Improved Collaboration: Share documents and work together in real time.
• Version Control: Automatically track changes and restore previous versions.
• Integrated Tools: Seamless integration with Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and OneDrive.

Accessing Your Department’s SharePoint Site

If your WSU departments drive has already been migrated, you now have access to cloud-based storage through Microsoft SharePoint. Follow the steps below to access and integrate your department’s SharePoint site with OneDrive for seamless file management.

WSU-Storage SharePoint Site URL

Sign-In Instructions

If you're not already signed in to Microsoft 365:

1. Visit the SharePoint site url above.
2. Sign in using your MinnState credentials:
   • Username: Your StarID@minnstate.edu
   • Password: Your StarID password
3. Once logged in, you’ll see the SharePoint sites you are a member of.

Add a SharePoint Folder to OneDrive

You can create a shortcut to a SharePoint folder so it appears directly in your OneDrive for easier access and syncing. This will only work if you are signed in and using OneDrive on your computer. 

1. Open SharePoint: Navigate to the SharePoint site and locate the document library.
2. Select a Folder: Choose the folder you want to add to OneDrive.
3. Add Shortcut: Select “Add shortcut to OneDrive" link.

1. Syncing: The shortcut will be created and synced to your OneDrive. This may take a few minutes.
2. Locate the Shortcut: Once synced, a WSU-Storage folder will appear in your OneDrive under “My Files” online and listed as a folder in your OneDrive on your computer.

Creating a Quick Access Shortcut on a PC

You can create a shortcut to the SharePoint drive in File Explorer to access the folder without having to go into your OneDrive. You can do this to any folder you would like to appear on the quick access menu. 

1. Accessing Quick Access: Open File Explorer. Open your OneDrive folder, locate your WSU-Storage folder(s).

2. Pinning Folders: Right-click the folder and select Pin to Quick access. The folder will now appear in the left-hand navigation pane with the other quick access links. You can do this for any folder you would like. 
3. Unpinning Folders: Right-click a pinned folder in the sidebar and select Unpin from Quick access. (e.g. There are default pin folders that many users don't use, Music & Videos.) If you don't use them on a daily basis or at all, simply Unpin them.

If you don't use OneDrive, visit Tech Support in Somsen 207 (Winona) or Coffman Center 122 (Rochester) or contact us to schedule an appointment to assist you with installing OneDrive on your machine. 

Adding files your SharePoint

You can create new folders and move files and folders around as you please.

• Add files to SharePoint Online: 
  • Select the "Create or Upload" button in the top menu to select files or folders from your computer. Do not use drag-and-drop in the SharePoint online. 
• Add files in File Explorer:
  • Go to file explorer and find your SharePoint site in either Quick Access or your OneDrive.
  • Right-click in an empty area.
  • Select New - Folder.
  • Type a name and press Enter. 
• Add files from an app:
  • In an app (Word, Excel, Notepad, etc.), Select File → Save As.
  • Choose a folder in File Explorer.
  • Select Save.

Recycle Bin in SharePoint Online

If you accidentally delete a file or a folder, there is a recycle bin on the SharePoint Online site. It retains deleted items for 93 days, after which they go to a second-stage, admin-only recycle bin. 

• Navigate to your SharePoint site online.
• Select the Gear icon (Settings) in the top right, then select Site contents.
• Select the Recycle Bin icon located in the upper-right corner.
• Once in the Recycle Bin, you will be able select files and folder would you like to Restore.
• Select the radio button to the right of the file or folder and then select Restore. 

Learn More

Need to request changes to your existing SharePoint site, submit a request using our Service Catalog. 

Need additional information or assistance? Search our complete Service Catalog. Contact WSU Tech Support by email or call 507.457.5240, option 1.