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How to Fix OneDrive Offline Files Unavailable on a Metered Connection
Question details
Users are unable to access their offline OneDrive files when their computer is completely offline or connected to a metered network.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to access files that were previously marked as "Always keep on this device" while disconnected from standard Wi-Fi or while using a mobile hotspot.
- Observed behavior
- The downloaded files become completely unavailable, some file icons display a gray X, and image thumbnails disappear across multiple Windows devices.
Ensure your computer has sufficient local hard drive space to store the files you want to keep offline, and connect temporarily to a standard unmetered Wi-Fi network so OneDrive can complete its initial synchronization.
Disable Sync Restrictions for Metered Networks and Battery Saver
Adjusting OneDrive's backup and sync settings prevents the application from automatically pausing synchronization when you are on a metered network or running low on battery power.
Windows 10 natively tries to save data and power by pausing background tasks on metered connections. By overriding this in OneDrive, your offline files remain accessible and properly synced.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Windows taskbar notification area, click the gear icon (Help & Settings) in the top right corner, and select 'Settings'.
In the OneDrive settings window, navigate to the 'Sync and Backup' tab.
Locate the setting labeled 'Pause syncing when this device is on a metered network' and toggle it off. Next, toggle off 'Pause syncing when this device is in battery saver mode' if it is active.
Close the settings window. To ensure the settings apply, right-click the OneDrive icon again, select 'Quit OneDrive', and then reopen the application from your Windows Start menu.
Re-apply 'Always Keep on this Device' in File Explorer
Manually forcing the offline availability command can resolve stuck sync states and remove the gray X icon from your files.
Run a Disk Check and Reset the OneDrive App
If files remain inaccessible, checking the local drive for file system errors and resetting the OneDrive client cache can restore proper functionality.
Experience Reliable File Management with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with complex metered connection restrictions and syncing errors in Microsoft OneDrive? Switch to WPS Office for a lightweight, free alternative that offers seamless local and cloud file management, ensuring your documents are always accessible when you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the gray X on my OneDrive files mean?
A gray X icon generally indicates that the file or folder is corrupted, blocked by system settings like metered connections, or unable to sync properly due to local storage issues or conflicting file permissions.
How do I change my network from metered to unmetered in Windows 10?
To change your network status, go to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Click on the name of the network you are currently connected to, scroll down to the 'Metered connection' section, and toggle the 'Set as metered connection' switch to Off.
Does Windows battery saver mode affect OneDrive syncing?
Yes. When your laptop's battery drops below a certain threshold (usually 20%), Windows automatically activates Battery Saver mode. By default, OneDrive will pause all synchronization during this time to conserve power, which can make newly added files unavailable offline.
