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How to Keep OneDrive Files in the Cloud and Remove Local Copies
Question details
The user wants to free up local hard drive space by removing the locally stored copies of OneDrive files without deleting the actual files from the cloud storage.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Managing local disk storage limits when syncing files with Microsoft OneDrive.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to switch files to online-only mode so they remain visible in File Explorer but do not consume local storage space.
Ensure that the OneDrive desktop application is currently running and fully synced on your computer. If you have already deleted files by mistake, check your Recycle Bin and restore them before proceeding.
Use the 'Free up space' Option in File Explorer
This built-in Windows feature allows you to safely remove the local file data while keeping a placeholder synced to your OneDrive cloud.
Using the standard 'Delete' key removes the file from both your PC and your cloud storage. To retain the file online while saving disk space, you must use OneDrive's specific context menu options.
Press Windows Key + E to open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder from the left-hand navigation pane.
Highlight the specific documents, images, or entire folders that you want to remove from your local hard drive.
Right-click the selected items and click on 'Free up space' from the context menu.
Wait for the status icon next to the files to change to a blue cloud. This indicates the local copy has been removed and the file is now online-only.
Edit Your Cloud Documents with WPS Office
If you are managing files in OneDrive to save space, consider using WPS Office as your primary productivity suite. It is a lightweight, fully compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office that integrates perfectly with your cloud-stored documents.
- 1. Download and install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free installer, and complete the quick installation process.
- 2. Open your OneDrive files: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and navigate to your OneDrive folder to access your online or locally synced documents seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I just press the Delete key on a OneDrive file?
If you select a file in your OneDrive folder and press the Delete key, it will be moved to the Recycle Bin and deleted from your OneDrive cloud storage across all your devices. To keep it in the cloud, always use the 'Free up space' right-click option instead.
How can I tell if a OneDrive file is stored locally or in the cloud?
In File Explorer, check the Status column next to your files. A blue cloud icon means the file is online-only and not taking up space. A green checkmark means it is downloaded and stored locally on your device.
Can I open 'Free up space' files without an internet connection?
No. Files marked as online-only (indicated by the blue cloud icon) require an active internet connection to download and open. If you know you will be offline, right-click the file beforehand and select 'Always keep on this device'.
