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Quick Answer

Look at the icons next to your files in File Explorer. A blue cloud means the file is in the cloud (saving space). A green checkmark means the file is downloaded to your computer and can be used offline.

How to Use OneDrive Files On-Demand ​

Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 11 (OneDrive for Business)
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-03-09

Summary ​

OneDrive Files On-Demand lets you access all your cloud files in File Explorer without downloading them to your computer. Files only take up disk space when you open them, freeing storage for other uses. This article explains how to enable the feature, manage file availability, and interpret status icons.

Prerequisites ​

  • OneDrive sync client installed and signed in.
  • Your device must be running Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Instructions ​

1. Enable Files On-Demand ​

Turn on the feature in OneDrive Settings.

  1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the taskbar).
  2. Click the gear icon > Settings.
  3. Go to the Sync and backup tab (or Settings tab in older versions).
  4. Under Files On-Demand, check Save space and download files as you use them (or toggle it on).
  5. Click OK. OneDrive now shows all your cloud files in File Explorer without downloading them.

2. Understand the Status Icons ​

File Explorer shows an icon next to each file indicating its availability.

IconStatusMeaning
☁️ Blue cloudOnline-onlyFile is in the cloud. It does not use disk space. Opens when you have internet.
✅ White checkmark (green circle)Locally availableFile has been downloaded. Uses disk space. Available offline. Will return to online-only if space is needed.
🟢 Green checkmark (solid circle)Always keep on this deviceFile is always downloaded. Uses disk space. Available offline permanently until you change it.

3. Free Up Disk Space ​

Set files back to online-only to reclaim storage.

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder.
  2. Right-click a file or folder you no longer need offline.
  3. Select Free up space.
  4. The file's icon changes to a blue cloud. The file is removed from local storage but remains in the cloud.
  5. You can still see and open the file — it downloads automatically when you double-click it.

Note: Free up space keeps the folder visible in File Explorer as online-only placeholders. To remove a folder from this computer altogether so it stops appearing in File Explorer and in search results, use the Choose folders setting instead — see How to Choose Which OneDrive Folders Sync to Your Computer.

4. Make a File Always Available Offline ​

Ensure important files are available even without internet.

  1. Right-click the file or folder in File Explorer.
  2. Select Always keep on this device.
  3. The file downloads and the icon changes to a solid green checkmark.
  4. The file remains on your local drive until you explicitly select Free up space.

5. Check How Much Space OneDrive Uses Locally ​

See the total disk usage of your OneDrive files.

  1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray.
  2. Click the gear icon > Settings.
  3. Go to the Account tab.
  4. The storage usage bar shows your total OneDrive cloud storage and how much is used.
  5. To see local disk usage, right-click the OneDrive folder in File Explorer > Properties and check the Size on disk value.

Troubleshooting ​

TIP

To quickly free up space across your entire OneDrive, right-click the top-level OneDrive folder in File Explorer and select Free up space. This sets all files to online-only at once — pinned ("Always keep") files are not affected.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Files On-Demand toggle missingFeature not supported or outdated clientUpdate the OneDrive sync client to the latest version from the Microsoft Store or onedrive.com.
Online-only files open slowlySlow internet connectionThe file must download before opening. On slow connections, consider marking frequently used files as Always keep on this device.
"Free up space" option missingFile already online-onlyThe file is already in the cloud and not using local disk space. The option only appears for locally available files.