How to Enable Always Keep on This Device for OneDrive via Group Policy
Question details
Administrators need to configure OneDrive to automatically download all files to local storage instead of using the default Files On-Demand feature.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Deploying administrative settings across an organization to ensure local availability of OneDrive files, which is critical when internet or cellular connections are unreliable.
- Observed behavior
- By default, OneDrive utilizes Files On-Demand, keeping files in the cloud and requiring users to manually download them before offline access is possible.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on the target Windows devices or access to your domain's Group Policy Management console. If modifying the registry manually, it is highly recommended to back it up first to prevent unintended system issues.
Disable OneDrive Files On-Demand via Registry Editor
Modifying the Windows Registry directly forces OneDrive to download all synced files locally by turning off the Files On-Demand feature.
This method applies a machine-level policy that overrides user preferences, ensuring all OneDrive contents are stored locally.
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type 'regedit' and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor. Confirm the UAC prompt if it appears.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\OneDrive. If the 'OneDrive' key does not exist under Microsoft, right-click the Microsoft folder, select New > Key, and name it 'OneDrive'.
Right-click in the empty space on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name the new value exactly 'FilesOnDemandEnabled'.
Double-click 'FilesOnDemandEnabled' and set the Value data to '0'. Click OK to save the changes.
Close the Registry Editor and restart the computer, or fully exit and restart the OneDrive sync client to apply the new policy.
Configure OneDrive Sync Settings via Group Policy Editor
For IT administrators managing multiple devices, using the Group Policy Editor (GPO) is the standard method to deploy OneDrive configurations across a network.
Manage and Edit Your Local Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you are configuring OneDrive files to be available offline, you need a fast and reliable office suite to edit those files without an internet connection. WPS Office provides full compatibility with Microsoft Office formats without the heavy subscription fees, making offline document processing incredibly smooth.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free, lightweight installer.
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- 3. Edit Offline Documents: Open your local OneDrive folder and double-click any Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file to start editing offline instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is OneDrive still showing cloud icons after modifying the registry?
The policy change requires a restart of the OneDrive sync client to take effect. If cloud icons persist, restart your computer. Additionally, ensure there are no conflicting user-level policies overriding the local machine settings.
Will disabling Files On-Demand consume more hard drive space?
Yes. Disabling Files On-Demand forces OneDrive to download a complete local copy of every file and folder in your synced cloud storage. Make sure your local hard drive has enough capacity to handle the full size of your OneDrive contents.
Can I enable 'Always Keep on This Device' for specific folders only?
Group Policy and registry changes apply to the entire OneDrive sync client. If you only want specific folders stored locally, you should leave Files On-Demand enabled. Then, simply right-click the desired folders in File Explorer and manually select 'Always keep on this device'.
How do I revert this policy if my computer runs out of storage?
To restore the default Files On-Demand behavior, either delete the 'FilesOnDemandEnabled' registry key, change its value from '0' to '1', or set the corresponding Group Policy back to 'Not Configured'.
