OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Downloading All SharePoint Files and Filling Disk Space

WPS Content Manager Sep 25, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to stop OneDrive from downloading all synchronized SharePoint files locally, which is consuming all available disk space.

How to Fix OneDrive Downloading All SharePoint Files and Filling Disk Space

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Synchronizing online SharePoint libraries to a local computer using the OneDrive desktop client.
Observed behavior: The Files On-Demand feature fails to keep files online-only, resulting in OneDrive automatically downloading every SharePoint file to the local hard drive and filling up disk space.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and administrator access to your device before modifying OneDrive synchronization settings or reinstalling the application.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify and Enable OneDrive Files On-Demand

Ensure the Files On-Demand feature is active to keep SharePoint files in the cloud until you explicitly open or download them.

Files On-Demand is designed to save local storage by displaying cloud files in File Explorer without downloading the actual file content until it is accessed.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray or menu bar, click the gear icon, and select 'Settings'.

Enable Files On-Demand

Navigate to the 'Sync and back up' tab and expand the 'Advanced settings' menu. Look for the 'Files On-Demand' section and ensure it is enabled to save disk space.

Free Up Local Space

Open File Explorer or Finder, right-click the synchronized SharePoint folder, and select 'Free up space'. This removes the locally downloaded copies while retaining the cloud placeholders.

Verify and Enable OneDrive Files On-Demand

System Requirements: Files On-Demand requires your operating system to be updated to Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (version 1709 or later) or macOS 10.14 Mojave or later.

Solution 2

Reinstall the OneDrive Desktop Client

If settings are correct but files continue to download automatically, reinstalling OneDrive can resolve underlying synchronization bugs.

Solution 3

Consult Your Microsoft 365 Administrator

Organizational group policies might be overriding local settings and forcing SharePoint libraries to download fully.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive ignore my Files On-Demand settings?

This can happen due to an outdated OneDrive client, conflicting third-party antivirus software scanning files (which triggers a download), or IT administrative group policies overriding your personal preferences.

How do I tell if a SharePoint file is taking up local disk space?

In File Explorer, check the Status column next to your files. A solid green circle with a white checkmark means the file is always kept on the device, and a green checkmark means it is temporarily downloaded. A blue cloud icon indicates the file is online-only and not taking up local space.

Will clicking 'Free up space' delete my files from SharePoint?

No. Selecting 'Free up space' only removes the local copy from your computer's hard drive to save space. The file remains safely stored in your cloud SharePoint library and will appear with a blue cloud icon.

Document & File Issues