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How to Fix OneDrive Files On-Demand Showing Zero Storage Used
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where OneDrive incorrectly reports zero kilobytes used on a PC, despite the presence of roughly 771 GB of data on a dedicated OneDrive drive.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows PC
- Scenario
- Managing local disk space using the OneDrive Files On-Demand feature.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive shows 0 KB used despite 771 GB being present. Both 'Files On-Demand' and 'Free up space' commands are entirely unresponsive, even after full reinstallations of OneDrive and Windows.
Verify that you have access to your Microsoft 365 administrator account or IT department, as resolving this specific backend synchronization bug requires opening an official support ticket.
Open a Support Request via Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Escalate the issue directly to Microsoft Support for backend log collection and remote configuration checks.
Because standard local troubleshooting—including reinstalling the OneDrive client, the drive itself, and the Windows operating system—does not resolve this reporting error, the problem requires backend investigation. Microsoft Support engineers have the necessary tools to remotely investigate your tenant's Files On-Demand configuration and apply a fix.
Have your Microsoft 365 administrator sign in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center using their admin credentials.
On the left navigation menu, click on 'Show all' to expand the panel, select 'Support', and then choose 'Help & support'.
Create a new support request detailing the issue. Explicitly mention that 'Files On-Demand' and 'Free up space' are unresponsive and showing 0 KB used despite having 771 GB of local data.
Work closely with the assigned Microsoft Support engineer to grant remote access or to provide the necessary local synchronization logs for their backend investigation.
Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Document Management
If persistent Microsoft OneDrive syncing issues are disrupting your daily workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight office suite equipped with its own reliable cloud storage (WPS Cloud), helping you avoid complex local synchronization errors.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the installation package for your Windows PC.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the straightforward installer to set up the lightweight office suite in just a few minutes.
- 3. Use WPS Cloud: Sign in to activate WPS Cloud for seamless, error-free document saving and syncing across all your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my OneDrive Files On-Demand show 0 bytes used?
This issue typically occurs due to a backend synchronization glitch or a corrupted configuration where Windows fails to accurately read the placeholder markers for your online-only files.
What should I do if 'Free up space' is not working in OneDrive?
If standard troubleshooting steps like reinstalling the OneDrive client or your operating system fail to fix the feature, the issue likely lies within your account's backend configuration. You will need to contact your Microsoft 365 administrator to open a support ticket.
Will reinstalling Windows fix OneDrive storage reporting errors?
Not necessarily. For complex backend misconfigurations involving Files On-Demand, even a complete Windows reinstallation might not resolve the zero storage reporting bug, necessitating direct investigation by Microsoft Support.
