How to Store Files in OneDrive Without Keeping Local Copies
Question details
The user wants to upload files to OneDrive and keep them securely in the cloud while removing the local copies to save disk space on their computer.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing local storage space after uploading large files to cloud storage.
- Observed behavior
- Files are taking up local hard drive space even though they have already been uploaded to the cloud storage account.
Ensure that your files have completely finished uploading to OneDrive (showing a solid cloud or green checkmark icon) before attempting to remove the local copies, otherwise you risk interrupting the sync and losing your data.
Use the Free Up Space Feature to Make Files Online-Only
This is the quickest and recommended method to remove local copies of files while keeping them visible and accessible in your OneDrive folder via the cloud.
By using the Files On-Demand feature, OneDrive allows you to see all your files in File Explorer without actually downloading them to your hard drive. Files marked as online-only take up practically zero space on your computer.
Check the status icon next to your file or folder in File Explorer. Ensure it does not show a syncing icon (blue circular arrows). It must finish uploading first.
Navigate to your local OneDrive folder and right-click the specific file or folder you want to remove from your local hard drive.
Click on 'Free up space' from the context menu. The status icon next to the file will change to a blue cloud, indicating it is now stored online only and the local copy has been deleted.
Prevent Specific Folders from Syncing to Your Computer
Use this method if you want to completely hide certain cloud folders from your local computer, rather than just making them online-only.
Manage Your Documents Efficiently with WPS Office
If managing local storage limits and cloud syncing with Microsoft is becoming a hassle, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative that includes its own built-in WPS Cloud, making online file storage effortless and intuitive.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the lightweight free version.
- 2. Sign In to WPS Cloud: Create an account or log in to instantly activate your free cloud storage space.
- 3. Save Directly to Cloud: Create or edit your documents and save them directly to WPS Cloud without taking up local drive space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my files if I select Free up space?
No. The 'Free up space' option only removes the local copy from your computer's hard drive. The original file remains safely stored in your online OneDrive account and will not be deleted.
How do I access a file after making it online-only?
Simply double-click the online-only file in your OneDrive folder while connected to the internet. OneDrive will automatically download a temporary local copy and open the file for you to view or edit.
Why is the Free up space option missing when I right-click?
This usually happens if the OneDrive 'Files On-Demand' feature is disabled on your computer. Go to your OneDrive Settings, navigate to the Sync and back up tab (or Settings tab in older versions), and enable the option to 'Save space and download files as you use them'.
