A new way to manage file synchronisation
Microsoft has announced a new tool for the OneDrive sync app, the software that keeps files on your computer synchronised with the cloud. The tool, named odcli, allows users and IT engineers to interact with OneDrive using a command-line interface. This means instead of clicking through menus and icons, an engineer can type specific text commands to see what the software is doing.
Command-line tools are standard in technical support because they are predictable. They allow an engineer to get clear information without needing to control your screen or search through visual settings that can change between different versions of Windows.
Improved troubleshooting and oversight
For a small or medium business, the main benefit of this tool is more reliable IT support. OneDrive can occasionally stop syncing files due to account errors, full storage, or conflicting settings. Currently, diagnosing these issues often requires manual checks of the app's settings menu.
With odcli, an IT provider can run a script—a small set of automated instructions—to check the sync status across multiple computers. The tool can report on accounts, active policies, and whether the app is configured correctly. Because the tool can output data in a format called JSON, which is easily read by other software, it allows management systems to flag a syncing problem before a staff member even notices it.
Timeline and availability
According to the Microsoft 365 roadmap, this tool is expected to be generally available in March 2027. It will be included as part of the standard OneDrive sync app installation.
While this is a technical update, it represents a shift toward making cloud storage more manageable for businesses with many devices. There is no additional cost for this tool, and it does not require any changes to your current Microsoft 365 subscriptions.