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How to Free Up Space for a Synced SharePoint Folder
Question details
The user needs to free up local storage space by removing locally synced SharePoint files without deleting them from the cloud.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing local storage space when working with synchronized cloud folders.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to safely remove the local copy of the folder while maintaining its availability online in SharePoint.
Ensure that your computer is connected to the internet and that the OneDrive sync client is running so changes can properly reflect in the cloud.
Use the 'Free Up Space' Feature in File Explorer
This is the safest and most direct method to remove local file copies while keeping them safe and accessible in the cloud.
Windows features a built-in Files On-Demand setting that allows you to see all your files in File Explorer without having to download them. By using the 'Free up space' context menu option, you instruct the system to delete the local cached file but keep the cloud pointer intact.
Launch File Explorer on your computer and locate your synchronized SharePoint or OneDrive directory in the left navigation pane.
Find the specific synchronized SharePoint folder or file that is taking up local disk space.
Right-click the synchronized folder and select 'Free up space' from the context menu. The local copies will be removed, and a cloud icon will appear next to the files indicating they are now online-only.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will 'Free up space' delete my files from SharePoint for everyone else?
No, selecting 'Free up space' only removes the downloaded local copy from your computer's hard drive. The actual file remains safely stored on the SharePoint server and remains fully accessible to you and your team online.
How do I make a cloud-only SharePoint file available offline again?
Right-click the cloud-only file or folder in File Explorer and select 'Always keep on this device'. This will download a local copy to your computer, allowing you to access and edit the file even without an internet connection.
Why don't I see the 'Free up space' option when right-clicking?
This option requires Files On-Demand to be enabled in your OneDrive settings. To fix this, click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, go to Settings, navigate to the Sync and backup tab, click Advanced settings, and ensure 'Files On-Demand' is turned on.
