'%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 Undo 'Always Keep on This Device' and Free Up OneDrive Space
Question details
The user needs to reclaim local disk space by changing OneDrive files from 'Always keep on this device' back to online-only without deleting them from the cloud.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing local storage and cloud syncing preferences for files and folders.
- Observed behavior
- Files and folders are taking up local disk space because they were previously marked to be kept on the device permanently.
Ensure your computer is connected to the internet so that OneDrive can successfully sync the status changes and keep your files safely accessible in the cloud.
Use the 'Free up space' Option in File Explorer
This is the recommended method to quickly remove the local copies of your files while keeping them visible and accessible in your OneDrive folder as online-only files.
When you mark a file with 'Always keep on this device', it downloads a permanent local copy that consumes hard drive space. By using the 'Free up space' feature, you revert this action. The files will remain in your File Explorer with a cloud icon, meaning they are stored securely online and will only download when you open them.
Launch File Explorer on your computer and navigate to your OneDrive folder from the left-hand navigation pane.
Locate the files or folders that currently have a solid green circle with a white checkmark (indicating they are stored locally).
Right-click the selected items and click on 'Free up space' from the context menu. The status icon will change to a blue cloud, indicating the local space has been reclaimed.
Edit OneDrive Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While managing your local disk space, consider optimizing your overall document workflow. WPS Office is a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that lets you open, edit, and save directly to your cloud drives without cluttering your hard drive.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office installer from the official website and complete the lightweight installation process.
- 2. Connect Your Cloud: Open WPS Office, navigate to the Cloud section, and seamlessly link your preferred cloud storage to access online files.
- 3. Edit Without Clutter: Open your Microsoft Office formats directly from the cloud, edit them seamlessly, and save changes back without downloading permanent local copies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the green checkmark icon mean in OneDrive?
A solid green circle with a white checkmark indicates that a file or folder is marked as 'Always keep on this device'. This means the file is downloaded to your hard drive and takes up local storage space, ensuring offline availability.
Will 'Free up space' delete my files from OneDrive?
No, selecting 'Free up space' only removes the local copy from your hard drive to save space. The file remains safe in your OneDrive cloud storage and will appear with a blue cloud icon in your folders.
Why can't I see the 'Free up space' option when I right-click?
This option might be missing if 'Files On-Demand' is disabled in your OneDrive settings. To fix this, open OneDrive Settings, navigate to the Sync and Backup tab (or Settings tab in older versions), and enable the Files On-Demand feature.
What is the difference between 'Free up space' and 'Choose folders'?
'Free up space' removes the downloaded file but keeps a visible online-only shortcut on your PC. 'Choose folders' completely un-syncs the folder, hiding it entirely from File Explorer so it can only be accessed via the OneDrive website.
