OneDrive
Freeing Up Disk Space with Files On-Demand
This guide explains how to use OneDrive Files On-Demand to make files cloud-only — freeing up disk space on your computer while still being able to access them whenever needed.
Time needed
10 minutes
Platform
Microsoft 365
Guide steps
3 clear sections
Before you begin
OneDrive sync is installed and working on your Windows or Mac computer.
Follow along
Step-by-step guide
Enable Files On-Demand (Windows)
- Instruction 1: Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray (bottom-right of the screen).
- Instruction 2: Click the Settings gear icon, then click Settings.
- Instruction 3: Click the Sync and backup (or Settings) tab and look for Files On-Demand.
- Instruction 4: Make sure Save space and download files as you use them is ticked.
- Instruction 5: Click OK. Files On-Demand is now active.
Action map
Enable Files On-Demand (Windows)
- 01
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray (bottom-right of the screen).
- 02
Click the Settings gear icon, then click Settings.
- 03
Click the Sync and backup (or Settings) tab and look for Files On-Demand.
Visual guide
Use this visual action map alongside the written instructions above.
Open OneDrive help & learning for Freeing Up Disk Space with Files On-DemandEnable Files On-Demand (Mac)
- Instruction 1: Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
- Instruction 2: Click the gear icon, then click Preferences.
- Instruction 3: Click the Account tab and make sure Download Files As You Use Them (Files On-Demand) is enabled.
Make individual files cloud-only or always available
- Instruction 1: Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and browse to your OneDrive folder.
- Instruction 2: To make a file or folder cloud-only (frees up space): right-click it and choose Free up space. The file will be removed from your computer but remain in the cloud. A blue cloud icon will appear.
- Instruction 3: To make a file always available offline (keeps a local copy): right-click it and choose Always keep on this device. A green tick icon will appear.
- Instruction 4: You can do this for individual files or for entire folders — right-click any folder and apply the same options.
Quick fixes
Troubleshooting
I freed up space but my disk is still full
The Files On-Demand change only removes files from the OneDrive folder. Other locations (Downloads, Desktop if not in OneDrive, video files, etc.) are not affected. Use Windows Storage Settings (Settings > System > Storage) to find what else is taking up space.
A cloud-only file will not open — it tries to download but fails
Check that you have a working internet connection. If you are on a VPN or a slow connection, the download may time out. Try again on a faster network. If the file cannot be downloaded, contact the helpdesk.
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