OneDrive File Issues

How to Automatically Keep Specific OneDrive File Types on This Device

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to configure OneDrive to automatically keep specific file types (like .esprit CAM files) stored locally on their device, rather than having to manually set them to be retained.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing local storage preferences for specific file extensions using OneDrive Files On-Demand.
Observed behavior: OneDrive repeatedly requires the user to manually select the 'Always keep on this device' option for certain file extensions, as it does not provide standard Files On-Demand rules based on file types.

Before you start

Ensure that your OneDrive client is fully synced and that the Files On-Demand feature is currently enabled in your OneDrive settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Organize Files into a Dedicated Offline Folder

Since OneDrive cannot filter sync rules by file extension, the best workaround is to organize the specific file types into a dedicated folder and pin the entire folder to your local device.

OneDrive currently does not support automatic Files On-Demand settings based on file extensions. By moving your specific files into a single directory, you can apply the offline setting to the folder itself, ensuring all current and future files placed inside remain on your device.

Create a Dedicated Folder

Open File Explorer or Finder and create a new folder within your OneDrive directory specifically for your .esprit files or other required file types.

Move Your Files

Transfer all the relevant files into this newly created folder.

Pin the Folder

Right-click the folder and select 'Always keep on this device'. The folder's status icon will change to a solid green circle with a white checkmark, ensuring all contents remain locally accessible.

Folder Syncing: Any new files added to this folder from another device will also be automatically downloaded and kept locally on this device.

Solution 2

Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft

Report this limitation directly to Microsoft to request future support for extension-based Files On-Demand rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Always keep on this device' mean in OneDrive?

It is a Files On-Demand setting that forces OneDrive to download a file or folder and keep it permanently stored on your local hard drive, ensuring it is always accessible even when you are disconnected from the internet.

Can I use wildcards to select file types in OneDrive sync settings?

No, OneDrive currently does not support the use of wildcards (such as *.esprit) to apply bulk sync settings or Files On-Demand rules to specific file extensions.

Why do some files automatically stay on my device while others are offloaded?

OneDrive dynamically manages your local storage based on your usage patterns. Files you open frequently are downloaded temporarily, but less commonly used formats may be automatically offloaded back to the cloud to save disk space.

How do I free up space after setting a folder to 'Always keep on this device'?

Right-click the specific folder or file in File Explorer or Finder and select 'Free up space'. This removes the local copy from your hard drive, changing the status back to a cloud icon, while safely keeping the file in your cloud storage.

Document & File Issues