'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Stop OneDrive Shortcuts to SharePoint Files from Syncing Locally
Question details
The user wants to know if SharePoint shortcuts added to OneDrive sync locally and how to prevent them from consuming local disk space.
- Product
- OneDrive and SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adding a SharePoint folder shortcut to OneDrive without wanting the actual files to download to the local hard drive.
- Observed behavior
- The SharePoint shortcut inherits OneDrive's synchronization behavior, unexpectedly downloading all shortcut files to local storage and consuming significant disk space.
Ensure you are logged into the OneDrive desktop application and have an active internet connection to apply synchronization changes across your account.
Enable OneDrive Files On-Demand to Free Up Space
By configuring Files On-Demand, you can keep the SharePoint shortcut visible in your OneDrive folder while keeping the actual files strictly online, preventing local disk space consumption.
A SharePoint shortcut saved in OneDrive automatically follows your existing OneDrive synchronization behavior. If Files On-Demand is disabled, OneDrive assumes you want local copies of everything, including shortcut contents.
Click the blue or white OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar notification area. Click the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, then select 'Settings'.
Navigate to the 'Sync and backup' or 'Advanced settings' tab (depending on your OneDrive version). Locate the 'Files On-Demand' section and toggle on 'Save space and download files as you use them'.
Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder. Find the SharePoint shortcut folder, right-click it, and select 'Free up space'. The status icon next to the folder will change to a cloud icon, confirming it is now online-only.
Experience Seamless Cloud Document Management with WPS Office
Struggling with complex synchronization settings and storage issues in OneDrive and SharePoint? WPS Office provides a lightweight, all-in-one suite with integrated cloud storage that is highly compatible with Microsoft formats, making document access simple and reliable.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Sign In to WPS Cloud: Launch the application and sign in with your email or social accounts to activate your free WPS Cloud storage.
- 3. Manage Files Seamlessly: Open the 'My Cloud' tab within the software to instantly view, edit, and sync your documents without worrying about local disk space limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my SharePoint shortcuts taking up local drive space?
When you add a SharePoint shortcut to OneDrive, it inherits your default OneDrive sync settings. If the Files On-Demand feature is turned off, OneDrive will automatically download the contents of that shortcut directly to your local hard drive, consuming space.
Can I access online-only SharePoint files without an internet connection?
No. Files marked as 'online-only' (displaying a cloud icon) require an active internet connection to download and open. If you anticipate needing offline access, right-click the specific file or folder and select 'Always keep on this device'.
Will deleting a SharePoint shortcut from my local OneDrive delete the actual files in SharePoint?
No. Deleting the shortcut from your OneDrive merely removes the linked shortcut from your view. The original files and folders remain safely stored and untouched in the host SharePoint document library.
