How to Delete Files from Your Computer but Keep Them in OneDrive on Windows 11
Keeping files on both your computer and in OneDrive at the same time uses up storage space on your PC. OneDrive syncs your files, meaning a copy lives locally and another in the cloud, which is handy for quick access.
However, if your computer’s hard drive is getting full, you might want to remove these local copies. You can easily delete files from your Windows 11 computer while ensuring they remain safely stored in your OneDrive cloud storage.
Right-click on the OneDrive icon in your system tray and select Settings. Ensure “Save space and download files as you use them” is checked under the Account tab. Then, in File Explorer, right-click desired files or folders and select “Free up space” to make them online-only.
Why Use OneDrive Files On-Demand?
OneDrive Files On-Demand is a great way to save space on your computer while still having access to all your files.
Here’s what happens: Files you designate as “online-only” will be removed from your computer’s storage. You’ll notice a cloud icon next to them in File Explorer. Clicking these files will download them from OneDrive for immediate use. Conversely, files marked as “always keep on this device” will remain on your computer.
Step 1Find Your OneDrive Files on Your PC
You can easily find your OneDrive files on your Windows 11 PC using File Explorer, just like any other folder.
- Open File Explorer. You can click the folder icon on your taskbar or press
Windows key + E.
- Look for “OneDrive” in the left-hand side of File Explorer. Click on it to see your files.
- Find the files or folders you want to remove from your computer.
Step 2Turn On Files On-Demand
Turning on OneDrive Files On-Demand is key to saving storage space, and it’s usually on by default, but it’s good to check.
- Find the OneDrive cloud icon. It’s usually in the bottom-right corner of your screen, near the clock. If you don’t see it, click the small arrow pointing up.
- Right-click the OneDrive icon. A menu will appear.
- Choose “Settings”. This opens the OneDrive settings window.
- Click on the “Account” tab.
- Look for “Files On-Demand”. Make sure the option “Save space and download files as you use them” is selected.
Step 3Make Files “Online-Only”
Once Files On-Demand is on, you can choose which files or folders you want to keep only in the cloud by making them ‘online-only’.
- Open your OneDrive folder in File Explorer.
- Find the files or folders you want to make “online-only”.
- Right-click on the file or folder. A menu will show up.
- Look for an option like “Smart Sync” or “Free up space”. The exact words might be slightly different.
- Choose “Free up space”. If the file was downloaded, its icon will change to a cloud. This means it is now online-only.
What the icons mean:
Blue cloud icon: The file is online-only. It is in OneDrive but not on your computer. You need internet to open it.
Green circle with a white checkmark: The file is on your computer and in OneDrive. It takes up space.
White circle with a blue outline and a green checkmark: The file is always available on your computer. OneDrive will not remove it.
Reference:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/onedrive/delete-files-or-folders-in-onedrive
Summary
Using OneDrive’s Files On-Demand lets you see all your files in File Explorer without using up your computer’s storage space.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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