How to Store OneDrive Files and Cache on an External Drive
Question details
The user wants to free internal laptop storage by storing OneDrive files or cached content on an external drive while keeping frequently used files available offline.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive desktop app
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- The user has a laptop with limited internal storage and several terabytes of OneDrive data.
- Observed behavior
- The local OneDrive folder and cache occupy internal storage, and the user needs a way to move them or keep most files online-only.
Close any open OneDrive files and connect the external drive before changing sync settings. Make sure the drive is formatted with NTFS or exFAT and has enough free space for the OneDrive folder.
Move the OneDrive folder to an external drive by unlinking and reconnecting
Use this when your internal drive is nearly full and you want OneDrive to store its local sync folder and cache on a large external drive.
OneDrive lets you choose the local folder location only during initial setup or after unlinking an account. The entire OneDrive folder moves to the selected drive; you cannot split the sync folder across drives.
Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area, then choose Settings > Account.
Click Unlink this PC and confirm. Your files remain in OneDrive online, but the local sync relationship is removed.
Sign in with the same Microsoft account, and when asked for the OneDrive folder location, click Change location and select a folder on the external drive.
Go to Settings > Settings, check Save space and download files as you use them, and click OK.
In File Explorer, right-click the files or folders you need often and choose Always keep on this device.
Use Files On-Demand and an external archive to keep the internal drive light
Use this if you prefer to leave the OneDrive sync folder on the internal drive and store only offline copies or archived files externally.
Switch to WPS Office for Lightweight File Editing While Managing OneDrive Storage
WPS Office is a free, lightweight Microsoft Office alternative with strong Word, Excel, and PowerPoint compatibility and a familiar interface. It lets you open, edit, and save OneDrive or external-drive files without adding heavy local storage overhead.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Go to the WPS download page and click Download WPS Office Free, then run the installer.
- 2. Open a file from OneDrive or the external drive: Launch WPS Office, click Open, and browse to the file in your OneDrive folder or external drive.
- 3. Edit and save in the original format: Use the familiar ribbon tools, then click Save to keep the file as a Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I split my OneDrive folder between my internal drive and an external drive?
No. OneDrive syncs one local folder at a single location. You can move the whole folder to an external drive and use Files On-Demand to keep most files online-only, but the sync folder itself cannot be divided across two drives.
Does the external drive have to stay connected for OneDrive to work?
Yes. If the OneDrive folder is on an external drive, keep the drive connected and powered on while you sync or access offline files. If it is disconnected, sync pauses and local files may show as online-only placeholders.
How do I enable Files On-Demand in OneDrive?
Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area, go to Settings > Settings, and under Files On-Demand check Save space and download files as you use them. Then click OK.
How do I mark only certain files as always available offline?
Open File Explorer, browse to your OneDrive folder, right-click the file or folder, and choose Always keep on this device. Other files remain online-only until you open them.
Can multiple Windows users combine OneDrive storage?
No. OneDrive storage capacity is assigned per user and cannot be combined between Windows user accounts.
