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How to Keep OneDrive Folders Online-Only to Save Storage
Question details
The user wants to configure OneDrive to store files exclusively in the cloud rather than keeping local copies on their computer.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Local disk space is limited, but sufficient cloud storage is available to house the necessary files.
- Observed behavior
- Files are successfully stored in the cloud but are currently taking up valuable local hard drive space.
Ensure that the OneDrive desktop application is running on your Windows PC and that you are actively signed in to your Microsoft account.
Enable OneDrive Files On-Demand
Use the Files On-Demand feature to remove the local copy of your files while keeping them safely stored and visible from your OneDrive cloud.
OneDrive Files On-Demand allows you to view all your cloud files in Windows File Explorer without downloading them. This is the most effective way to clear up local storage space.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar notification area, select the gear icon (Help & Settings), and click on 'Settings'.
Navigate to the 'Sync and backup' tab, click on 'Advanced settings', and toggle on the 'Files On-Demand' option to save local disk space.
Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder. Right-click the specific files or folders you want to remove locally and select 'Free up space'. The files will remain in your cloud.
If you need access to certain files without an internet connection in the future, right-click those files and select 'Always keep on this device'.
Enjoy Seamless Cloud Integration with WPS Office
While you are managing storage with Microsoft OneDrive, consider switching to WPS Office for a lighter, faster document editing experience. WPS Office is a completely free, lightweight alternative that includes its own cloud syncing features, ensuring you never run out of local space while retaining perfect compatibility with your existing files.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the lightweight installer and follow the quick setup wizard.
- 2. Sign In for Cloud Access: Log in to your free account to activate WPS Cloud and start syncing your documents across devices instantly.
- 3. Edit Seamlessly: Open any existing Microsoft Office file directly within WPS Office and enjoy immediate format compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my online-only OneDrive files still show up in File Explorer?
Online-only files appear as visual shortcuts in File Explorer so you can easily browse and organize them. They do not actually download or consume local hard drive space until you double-click to open them.
Can I edit online-only files without an internet connection?
No, you must have an active internet connection to download and open online-only files. If you anticipate working offline, you must right-click the file beforehand and choose 'Always keep on this device'.
What happens if I delete an online-only file from my computer?
If you delete an online-only file from your local OneDrive folder, it will be moved to the recycle bin in your OneDrive cloud storage and deleted across all your synced devices.
Why don't I see the 'Free up space' option in my right-click menu?
This usually indicates that the 'Files On-Demand' feature is not enabled in your OneDrive application settings. It may also mean you need to update your Windows OS or the OneDrive app to the latest version.
