How to Unlock OneDrive Personal Vault in Windows 10

Microsoft OneDrive is a feature of Microsoft 365, a cloud storage service that allows users to store, share, and synchronize their files. Although files can be freely saved and stored privately in the service, an extra layer of protection is helpful, especially if you’re using OneDrive to back up your files. This is where Personal Vault comes in.

It is a protected area in OneDrive that provides an extra layer of security for sensitive files. Accessing it requires strong authentication, such as a fingerprint, face, or PIN. If you are planning to use this service, this guide provides step-by-step instructions for how to unlock the Personal Vault on OneDrive, assuming you have already set it up.

How to unlock OneDrive Personal Vault in Windows 10

To unlock OneDrive Personal Vault, you must follow a few steps and verify your identity.

How to unlock the Personal Vault in OneDrive in Windows 10

1. Open OneDrive.
   1. Click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray located at the bottom right of your screen.
   2. If it’s not visible, click the arrow (^) to show hidden icons.
2. Access Personal Vault.
   1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).
   2. Navigate to your OneDrive Folder, which should be on the left pane.
   3. Click on the Personal Vault folder. (Note: If you have changed the location of your OneDrive folder, then you will need to navigate to its new path to find the Personal Vault folder.)
3. Verify your identity. Depending on your settings, you may need to:
   1. Enter your PIN.
   2. Use Windows Hello, which uses your fingerprint or facial recognition.
   3. Enter the code sent to either your mobile device or email.
4. Use the vault.
   1. Once unlocked, you can open, move, edit, or delete files inside the Personal Vault like any other folder.
   2. The vault automatically locks after a period of inactivity, which is 20 minutes by default.

How to lock the Personal Vault in OneDrive manually

You can lock the folder manually on OneDrive if you have finished your work and intend not to use it anymore. Here’s how:

• Right-click on the Personal Vault folder in File Explorer.
• Select “Lock Personal Vault” to secure it immediately.

More Microsoft OneDrive Personal Vault options and settings

You can tweak other settings and options in Microsoft OneDrive Personal Vault. If you would like to customize your experience with it, here are a few things you can do:

Change your verification method

You can modify and unlock your Personal Vault using Microsoft’s online account security settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit Microsoft’s online account settings and sign in with the same account you use with OneDrive.
2. Navigate to the Security basics section and select Update info.
3. You will see your verification options here, and you can:
   1. Add new security methods like a phone, email, or an authenticator app.
   2. Remove an outdated method.
   3. Change your default verification method.
4. If you plan to use Windows Hello as a more secure verification method.
   1. Go to your computer’s Settings,
   2. Navigate to Accounts > Sign-in options, and make the appropriate configurations. OneDrive will then use it for Personal Vault.
5. Once you have updated your methods, Personal Vault will use them to verify your identity.

Tweak the Automatic Lock Timer

The OneDrive Personal Vault timer is set to 20 minutes by default, and you cannot change it on Windows 10. However, you can manage your system settings and behaviors, like your lock screen timeout and Windows Hello options, which can influence your Personal Vault’s behavior.

Lock screen timeout settings

1. Go to Settings > System > Power & Sleep. Check the Screen and Sleep settings.
2. Under Screen and Sleep, check how long your screen stays on when inactive. This setting won’t affect the timer, but if you tweak it to be inactive faster, this will lessen the chances of another user accessing your Personal Vault.

Windows Hello or sign-in options

1. Go to Settings > Account > Sign-in Options to tweak Windows Hello options.
2. Under Windows Hello, you can tweak your sign-in settings, from PIN to biometrics like facial recognition and fingerprint.
3. Under Require sign-in, you can set it when Windows asks you to sign in again after a period of inactivity, which will also change Personal Vault’s behavior.

Troubleshooting common OneDrive Personal Vault issues

Issue: I cannot unlock my OneDrive Personal Vault

If you cannot unlock your OneDrive Personal Vault, try the following solutions in order (move to the next step if the previous one hasn’t fixed the issue).

• Make sure you’re connected to the internet because Personal Vault requires an active connection to verify your identity.
• Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray (if visible), proceed to Settings > About > Version info, or download the latest version from the official OneDrive site.
• Verify your Microsoft account credentials. Ensure you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account used for your OneDrive. To check your connected accounts, head to Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts.

Issue: Where did my Personal Vault go in OneDrive? It’s not visible

If your OneDrive Personal Vault isn’t visible, ensure both of the following:

• You’re signed in with a personal Microsoft account. Note that Personal Vault is not available for business or school accounts.
• You have already set up a Personal Vault. If you haven’t, perform the following steps:
  1. Open File Explorer, then proceed to your OneDrive folder.
  2. Locate the Personal Vault folder icon.
  3. If missing, open the OneDrive icon in the system tray, click Help & Settings (gear icon), and then click Unlock Personal Vault.

Issue: My Personal Vault locks too quickly

In Windows 10, the OneDrive Personal Vault auto-lock time is set to 20 minutes, and you cannot adjust it through OneDrive. However, you can tweak your system settings to make it lock sooner for added security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if I forget my OneDrive Personal Vault verification method?

If you are unable to complete your Personal Vault verification method (whether it is your PIN, Windows Hello, or security code), you can reset your verification methods via the Microsoft Account Security page.

Note: If you lose access to your Microsoft account and its verification options, you might permanently lose access to Personal Vault.

Is Personal Vault available on all OneDrive plans?

Yes, but with specific limitations. Free and basic OneDrive plans allow storage of up to three files in the Personal Vault. Meanwhile, you can store as many files as you want in paid plans, though your storage quota limits it.

Can I access Personal Vault offline?

No. Personal Vault requires an active internet connection to verify your identity and unlock your files. Even files marked for offline use are inaccessible unless they’re unlocked online first.

Is Personal Vault available on mobile?

Yes. You can access OneDrive Personal Vault via the OneDrive app for iOS and Android. It uses the same verification methods as your Microsoft account.

Unlock OneDrive Personal Vault and secure your files

Personal Vault is an excellent choice for securing your most sensitive files. Its identity verification methods and automatic locking deliver solid protection while letting you access your files conveniently when needed. For admins and users hoping to store proprietary and confidential files and documents, Personal Vault is a simple and effective solution integrated with OneDrive.