OneDrive File Issues

How to Make OneDrive Files and Folders Appear in File Explorer

Olivia Miller Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to make specific OneDrive folders visible in File Explorer and keep cloud-only files permanently available on their local drive.

How to Make OneDrive Files and Folders Appear in File Explorer

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to access and manage synced cloud storage files locally without needing to manually download each document.
Observed behavior: Certain folders visible on OneDrive online are missing in File Explorer, and files default to cloud-only access, requiring manual downloads.

Before you start

Ensure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account on your OneDrive desktop app and have an active internet connection to synchronize your folder settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Select Specific OneDrive Folders to Sync to Your PC

Update your OneDrive settings to ensure all required folders are selected and synced to appear in File Explorer.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Windows taskbar notification area, click the gear icon, and select Settings.

Navigate to Account Settings

In the Settings window, go to the Account tab and click on the 'Choose folders' button.

Select Folders to Sync

Check the boxes next to all the folders you want to make visible in File Explorer, then click 'OK' to apply the changes.

Select Specific OneDrive Folders to Sync to Your PC

Sync Completed: Your selected folders will immediately begin appearing in your local OneDrive directory within File Explorer.

Solution 2

Mark Folders as 'Always keep on this device'

Force OneDrive to download cloud-only files so they remain permanently available offline on your local drive.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Your Synced Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

While managing your OneDrive synchronization settings, you may need a reliable and lightweight office suite to open your downloaded documents. WPS Office provides a complete, free alternative to Microsoft Office, allowing you to edit files locally or directly from your cloud folders.

1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office installer from the official website and complete the quick installation process.
2. Open Your OneDrive Files: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and navigate to your synchronized local OneDrive folder in File Explorer.
3. Edit and Save: Make your document edits in WPS Office. When you hit save, OneDrive will automatically sync the updated file back to the cloud.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight installation ensures fast loading times for your synced OneDrive files.Completely free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate tabbed interface.Seamless integration with local file systems and cloud directories for effortless saving.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some OneDrive files have a cloud icon next to them in File Explorer?

A cloud icon indicates that the file is part of the Files On-Demand feature and is currently only available online. You must be connected to the internet to open it, or you can right-click the file and select 'Always keep on this device' to download a local copy.

What does the solid green circle with a white checkmark mean in OneDrive?

This icon means the file or folder has been marked as 'Always keep on this device'. It has been downloaded to your computer and will be available for viewing and editing even when you are offline.

Why is the OneDrive icon missing from my Windows taskbar?

The OneDrive desktop application might not be running. To fix this, press the Windows key, type 'OneDrive', and press Enter to manually launch the application. The cloud icon should subsequently appear in your system tray.

Document & File Issues