Use OneDrive Files On-Demand on Windows 11. Free local disk space, keep key files offline and understand cloud icons without deleting cloud files.
Tag: OneDrive
OneDrive can show a file on your computer without keeping the full copy there. That is useful for space, but it makes the file’s status worth checking. This archive covers Files On-Demand and an earlier Personal Vault launch. Start with where you need the file and whether you need it without a connection.
Choose which files need a local copy
OneDrive Files On-Demand separates online-only files from files kept on the device. Microsoft’s current file-status help explains the choices. Read the status before treating every file name in a folder as proof that its contents are ready offline.
Offline files matter when you plan to work away from a connection. Choose the files you will need and confirm the result before leaving. For example, a folder name for a project is not enough if the actual document is still waiting to download.
Separate sync from a second copy
OneDrive sync concerns keeping the file setup in step across the places involved. Before cleaning up, check whether you are freeing a local copy or deleting an item. Those are different tasks. Read our guide’s status checks before choosing a command with a wider effect than you intended.
Our data backup archive adds context for keeping and recovering copies. For wider product help, browse Microsoft. A file you can see, a file you can open offline and a separate copy you can recover are three different facts to confirm.
Read Vault and sharing stories by purpose
Personal Vault appears in our earlier feature report. Use that story for its launch context, then check current vendor help for the account you have. Do not assume an old plan limit or screen applies to every current account.
Local disk space is a different concern from who can open a shared file. Our cloud file sharing collection focuses on links and access. Our Google Drive archive covers another file service. Use the OneDrive articles below to choose a specific task, check the file status and keep the copies that task needs.
