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Fix OneDrive Downloading All SharePoint Files on Windows 11
Question details
Users need to stop OneDrive from automatically downloading all synchronized SharePoint files to conserve local storage.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Synchronizing SharePoint document libraries to a new Windows 11 laptop with Files On-Demand enabled.
- Observed behavior
- Files are downloading locally and consuming disk space instead of remaining cloud-only, despite having cloud icons and Files On-Demand settings turned on.
Before proceeding, ensure your Windows 11 operating system is fully up to date and that you have administrator privileges to uninstall and reinstall software.
Perform a Clean Reinstallation of OneDrive
Uninstalling OneDrive and clearing leftover synchronization folders resolves the background bug preventing Files On-Demand from functioning properly.
A standard reinstallation might not clear the cached settings causing the download issue. It is important to manually delete the leftover synchronization folders before reinstalling.
Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Search for 'Microsoft OneDrive', click the three dots next to it, and select 'Uninstall'.
Open File Explorer and navigate to your user profile directory. Delete the leftover OneDrive and SharePoint synchronization folders to ensure a clean slate.
Visit the official Microsoft website, download the latest OneDrive installer, and run the setup file.
Log into your account, set up your SharePoint folder synchronization again, and verify that the files now correctly display the cloud-only icon.
Toggle Offline Availability to Force Cloud-Only Status
If reinstalling OneDrive alone does not release disk space, toggling the file availability settings can force OneDrive to remove the local copies.
Switch to WPS Office for a Lightweight and Seamless Cloud Experience
If Microsoft Office and OneDrive synchronization issues are slowing down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides an intuitive, bug-free cloud integration with a much smaller installation footprint.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the quick installation prompts.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files instantly.
- 4. Enable WPS Cloud: Sign in to activate WPS Cloud to securely save and synchronize your documents online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is OneDrive ignoring my Files On-Demand settings on Windows 11?
This can occur due to a known synchronization glitch when setting up SharePoint libraries on new Windows 11 installations. The client fails to register the cloud-only flag properly, forcing a local download. A clean reinstallation of the OneDrive client usually resolves this.
Will uninstalling OneDrive delete my SharePoint files?
No, uninstalling OneDrive will not delete any files stored on SharePoint or OneDrive in the cloud. It only removes the local synchronization client. You can safely reinstall it and reconnect to your files.
What should I do if I am on an organization-managed computer?
If your account or device is managed by your organization, you may not have the administrative rights to reinstall OneDrive. In this case, contact your Microsoft 365 administrator or IT support desk for assistance.
What exactly does the 'Free up space' option do?
The 'Free up space' option removes the downloaded local copy of a file from your hard drive, changing its status back to cloud-only. The file remains visible in File Explorer, but it will only download again when you try to open it.
