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Why iCloud Files Show OneDrive Sync Icons in File Explorer

Huda Qurayshi Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is seeking to understand why an iCloud folder located outside the designated OneDrive directory is displaying status icons and context menu options typically associated with Microsoft OneDrive.

Why iCloud Files Show OneDrive-Like Cloud Icons Outside the OneDrive Folder

Product: Windows File Explorer
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Viewing local and cloud-synced files within the Windows desktop environment.
Observed behavior: An iCloud folder displays cloud icons, green checkmarks, and a "Keep on this device" context menu option, leading to confusion that a secondary instance of OneDrive might be synchronizing the directory.

Before you start

Verify the exact file path of the folder in question by right-clicking it and selecting 'Properties' to confirm whether it resides inside or outside your primary C:\Users\[Username]\OneDrive directory.

Solution 1Recommended

Understand Windows Files On-Demand Integration for iCloud

Apple's iCloud Drive app for Windows uses the native Windows Files On-Demand system, meaning it shares the exact same visual status indicators and context menus as Microsoft OneDrive.

Starting with newer versions of iCloud for Windows, Apple adopted the Microsoft native sync engine. This means iCloud folders will display standard Windows sync icons: a cloud (online-only), a hollow green checkmark (locally available), and a solid green checkmark (always keep on this device). Because these are OS-level icons, they look identical to OneDrive's icons, even though OneDrive is not interacting with your iCloud folder.

Check the folder's parent directory

Open File Explorer, right-click the folder displaying the cloud icons, and select 'Properties'. Under the 'General' tab, verify that the 'Location' is associated with iCloud Drive rather than OneDrive.

Use iCloud-specific context menus

Right-click a file inside the iCloud folder. You will see the standard 'Free up space' and 'Always keep on this device' options. These commands are processed by the iCloud Windows application, not OneDrive.

Understand Windows Files On-Demand Integration for iCloud

No Dual Syncing Occurring: As long as the folder is outside the OneDrive directory structure, it is not being synchronized by a hidden second installation of OneDrive.

Solution 2

Verify OneDrive Sync Settings to Rule Out Overlap

If you suspect OneDrive is somehow syncing the folder, you can inspect your active OneDrive folder selections to confirm it is excluded.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does iCloud have a 'Keep on this device' option?

Apple updated iCloud Drive for Windows to use Microsoft's native 'Files On-Demand' API. This integrates iCloud directly into File Explorer, utilizing the exact same context menu options and icons as OneDrive to manage local storage versus cloud-only storage.

Is it possible to have two instances of OneDrive running simultaneously?

Yes, you can run one OneDrive Personal account and one OneDrive for Business (Work/School) account simultaneously. However, they will appear as distinctly separate folders (e.g., 'OneDrive - Personal' and 'OneDrive - [Company Name]') in your File Explorer navigation pane.

How do I stop iCloud from showing these sync icons?

Because these status icons are part of the core iCloud Drive integration with Windows File Explorer, you cannot remove them natively without uninstalling iCloud or disabling the iCloud Drive sync feature entirely in your iCloud Windows app settings.

Does clicking 'Free up space' delete my iCloud files?

No. Selecting 'Free up space' simply removes the locally downloaded copy of the file from your Windows PC to save hard drive space. The file itself remains safe in your cloud storage and will update its icon to a cloud symbol.

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