How to Free Up Disk Space with OneDrive in Windows 11
OneDrive Files On-Demand is a Windows 11 feature that lets you keep your files in the cloud instead of taking up space on your hard drive. It shows all your cloud items right inside File Explorer without downloading the actual files to your computer.
Storing gigabytes of photos online leaves your PC untouched until you click on a specific picture. Your computer stops filling up with files you rarely use, freeing up valuable storage space on your main drive.
Right-click the OneDrive icon in your taskbar , select Help & Settings, then Settings. Navigate to Sync and backup, expand Advanced settings, and click Free up disk space. Alternatively, right-click any file or folder in File Explorer and select Free up space.
What Happens When You Free Up Disk Space?
When you free up space, Windows deletes the local copy of a file while keeping the original safe in the cloud.
Understanding OneDrive Files On-Demand Status Icons
Checking the status icon in File Explorer reveals whether a particular item consumes local drive capacity. The following reference chart breaks down each sync indicator:
| Icon | Meaning | Storage Used |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud | Online-only | None |
| Green Check | Locally available | Yes |
| Solid Green Check | Always keep on this device | Yes |
How to Use Files On-Demand to Free Up Disk Space
Files On-Demand lets you see all your cloud files in File Explorer without taking up space on your hard drive. To free up disk space OneDrive files are using, open the OneDrive settings from your taskbar , go to the Sync and backup tab, and click the Free up disk space button to turn cloud-only storage on for your folders.
- Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar .
- Select Help & Settings, then click Settings.
- Go to the Sync and backup tab.
- Expand Advanced settings.
- Click the Free up disk space button.
How to Revert 'Always keep on this device' Status
You can change files back to cloud-only status when you no longer need offline access. To revert the Always keep on this device status and free up disk space, open File Explorer, right-click the specific file or folder, and select Free up space from the menu so the local copy deletes while keeping the online version safe.
- Open File Explorer (Windows Key + E).
- Right-click the folder or file.
- Select Free up space from the menu.
A cloud badge appears beside the item name once the transition completes.
Troubleshooting Missing OneDrive Settings
Missing menu options usually mean you need to update OneDrive. Upgrading the software resolves most integration snags, though persistent storage errors warrant visiting the official Microsoft support page.
Summary
Active cloud synchronization prevents performance bottlenecks by offloading heavy folders through Files On-Demand.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
[…] If you want to save space later, you can upload files back to OneDrive and remove local copies. Learn more on how to free up disk space with OneDrive. […]