OneDrive File Issues

How to Keep OneDrive Files Stored Locally While Syncing

Phi Hung Vo Oct 9, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user wants to ensure OneDrive files remain downloaded on their local drive while still synchronizing updates to the cloud.

How to Keep OneDrive Files Stored Locally While Syncing to the Cloud

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing cloud storage and local disk space to ensure files are available offline without being automatically replaced by cloud-only placeholders.
Observed behavior: By default, OneDrive's Files On-Demand feature may replace local files with online-only placeholders to save disk space, requiring an internet connection to open them.

Before you start

Ensure you have enough local hard drive space before downloading all your OneDrive files, as turning off Files On-Demand will download your entire cloud library to your computer.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Files On-Demand in OneDrive Settings

This method ensures all current and future files in your OneDrive are always downloaded and available offline on your local computer.

Disabling the Files On-Demand feature forces OneDrive to keep a local copy of every single file stored in your cloud account. This is ideal for users with ample hard drive space who need constant offline access to all their data.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows taskbar notification area, select the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, and click 'Settings'.

Navigate to Sync and Backup

In the OneDrive settings window, navigate to the 'Sync and backup' tab located on the left-hand menu.

Disable Files On-Demand

Expand the 'Advanced settings' section if necessary. Locate the 'Files On-Demand' section and click 'Download all files' or toggle the feature off. Click 'Continue' when prompted to confirm the download process.

Synchronization vs Backup: Remember that OneDrive synchronization is not a complete backup. Deletions and unwanted changes made locally will still sync to the cloud, so maintain an independent backup for crucial files.

Solution 2

Keep Specific Files or Folders Locally via File Explorer

If you only need certain files offline, use the right-click menu to mark specific items without downloading your entire OneDrive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my local OneDrive files keep turning into cloud-only icons?

This happens because the 'Files On-Demand' feature is enabled by default in OneDrive. It automatically frees up local disk space by converting infrequently used files into online-only placeholders.

How can I tell if a OneDrive file is stored locally or in the cloud?

In File Explorer, check the status icon next to the file. A blue cloud icon means it is online-only. A green checkmark with a white background means it is temporarily downloaded, and a solid green circle with a white checkmark means it is permanently marked as 'Always keep on this device.'

Can I turn Files On-Demand back on if my hard drive gets full?

Yes, you can return to OneDrive Settings at any time and re-enable Files On-Demand. Afterward, you can right-click any large folders in File Explorer and select 'Free up space' to remove the local copies while safely keeping the files in your cloud storage.

Document & File Issues