How to Store OneDrive Files Online Without Syncing to Your Computer
Question details
The user wants to keep certain files and folders exclusively on OneDrive online storage without taking up local hard drive space by syncing them to the computer.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing local computer storage space while utilizing OneDrive for cloud backups.
- Observed behavior
- Files are currently mirroring locally, and the user needs to configure the settings to make specific folders online-only.
Ensure that your OneDrive client is actively running and connected to the internet, as you will need to access your account settings to change sync preferences.
Use the Choose Folders Setting to Stop Local Syncing
Modify your OneDrive account settings to selectively prevent specific folders from downloading to your computer.
By adjusting the 'Choose folders' setting in the OneDrive desktop application, you can explicitly tell OneDrive which folders to keep locally and which to leave strictly in the cloud.
When you uncheck a folder, it is safely removed from your local hard drive to free up space, but it remains fully accessible and secure via the OneDrive website or mobile app.
Click on the OneDrive cloud icon located in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac). Click the gear icon representing Help & Settings, then select 'Settings'.
In the OneDrive settings window, click on the 'Account' tab to view your connected account details and storage usage.
Click the 'Choose folders' button. A new window will appear displaying a list of all folders currently stored in your OneDrive account.
Uncheck the boxes next to the folders you no longer want to store locally on your computer. Once finished, click 'OK' to save your changes.
Manage and Edit Your Cloud Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While managing OneDrive sync settings requires the native Microsoft client, you can use WPS Office as a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office. It integrates seamlessly with popular cloud drives, allowing you to edit online files without heavy local syncing.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
- 2. Connect Your Cloud Storage: Open WPS Office, go to the 'Open' menu, select 'Add Cloud Storage', and log in to your OneDrive account.
- 3. Edit Files Directly: Open and edit your OneDrive documents directly within WPS Office without needing to sync them locally to your desktop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will unchecking folders delete them from my OneDrive cloud storage?
No. Unchecking folders in the 'Choose folders' menu only removes the local copies from your computer to save space. Your files remain completely secure and accessible on the OneDrive website.
Can I use the 'Files on Demand' feature instead of unchecking folders?
Yes. OneDrive's 'Files On-Demand' feature allows you to see all your files in your file manager without downloading them. You can right-click any file or folder and select 'Free up space' to make it online-only while keeping the shortcut visible on your computer.
How do I upload new files to folders that are not synced to my computer?
To add files to folders that you have chosen not to sync locally, you must log in to the OneDrive website via your web browser or use the OneDrive mobile app, and upload the files directly there.
