Microsoft's OneDrive Personal Vault Now Available Worldwide

Back in June, Microsoft announced that its cloud storage service OneDrive was set to get a new protected area of storage called Personal Vault. Today, Personal Vault was made available globally to OneDrive users.

We're spoiled for choice when it comes to cloud storage services, but security and trust is key, and Microsoft is increasing that today. Personal Vault is an area of storage that can only be accessed with a second step of identification, be that a fingerprint, face, PIN, or code. It's also limited access, meaning if you unlock it and become inactive for a short period of time it re-locks itself.

Sharing of files stored in your Personal Vault isn't allowed, meaning no accidental sharing of your most important information. A feature called "scan and shoot" allows you to automatically transfer photos and scanned documents into your Personal Vault so they are never left in a less secure area of storage, e.g. on your phone. And on Windows 10, Personal Vault files are automatically BitLocker encrypted.

A Personal Vault icon (it looks like a safe) should now be present in your OneDrive and clicking the icon allows you to start using the extra-secure storage area. If you use the OneDrive free (5GB) or 100GB plan, then only three files can be stored in the Personal Vault. However, Office 365 Personal and Office 365 Home subscribers have no such limit.

Microsoft also made it easier to automatically backup your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folder to OneDrive using PC folder backup. It's also possible to add more storage now to an Office 365 subscription in 200GB increments for as little as $1.99 extra per month.

If you're already a OneDrive user then Personal Vault is a nice extra feature you should take full advantage of to protect very important or sensitive files. For everyone else, Microsoft is surely hoping Personal Vault will attract new users who'd otherwise opt for a Dropbox or Google Drive subscription.

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