OneDrive File Issues

How to Make OneDrive Files Cloud-Only While Keeping Others Synced

Partner Editor Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to save local disk space by keeping specific OneDrive files available only online, without interrupting the synchronization of other important files on the device.

How to Make OneDrive Files Cloud-Only While Keeping Others Synced

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Freeing up local hard drive storage by removing local copies of large or unused files while keeping them securely stored in OneDrive.
Observed behavior: Users can selectively sync files or use Files On-Demand, but sometimes face error messages when attempting to deselect Windows protected folders like Desktop or Documents.

Before you start

Ensure you are connected to the internet so you can still access files that are marked as cloud-only, and verify that your OneDrive client is up to date and currently running.

Solution 1Recommended

Use OneDrive Files On-Demand to Free Up Space

This is the most efficient method to remove local file copies and save disk space without altering your folder sync settings.

Windows 10 and 11 include a feature called Files On-Demand for OneDrive. It allows you to see all your files in File Explorer without having to download them, taking up zero local storage until you open them.

Open File Explorer

Press Windows Key + E to open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder from the left-hand navigation pane.

Select Files or Folders

Highlight the files or folders you want to make online-only.

Free up space

Right-click the selected items and choose 'Free up space' from the context menu. The status icon will change to a blue cloud, indicating the files are now cloud-only.

Instant Storage Recovery: Using 'Free up space' immediately deletes the local copy from your hard drive while keeping the original file safe in your cloud storage.

Solution 2

Exclude Specific Folders from Syncing

Use this method if you want to completely hide certain folders from File Explorer and keep them exclusively on the OneDrive web version.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get an error when trying to stop syncing my Desktop or Documents folder?

If you have OneDrive PC Folder Backup enabled, Windows redirects your standard Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders into OneDrive. You cannot deselect these protected folders from syncing. You must either turn off folder backup or move the files to a different OneDrive folder first.

Will I lose my files if I click 'Free up space'?

No. Selecting 'Free up space' only deletes the downloaded local copy from your hard drive to save space. The original file remains securely stored in your OneDrive cloud account.

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

In File Explorer, check the 'Status' column next to your files. A blue outline of a cloud indicates the file is online-only. A green checkmark means the file is downloaded to your device and is taking up local space.

Document & File Issues