Turn On or Off OneDrive Fetch Files in Windows 10
To turn OneDrive Fetch Files on or off in Windows 10, open OneDrive settings, go to the Settings tab, and check or uncheck “Let me use OneDrive to fetch any of my files on this PC.� This setting is available only on PCs running the OneDrive desktop app, and it lets you access files from that computer remotely through the OneDrive website or mobile app.
What Is OneDrive Fetch Files?
Fetch Files is a feature of the OneDrive desktop app for Windows 10 that allows you to retrieve any file from a PC without having to sync it to the cloud. Normally, OneDrive only gives you access to files that are in your OneDrive folder (the ones you’ve chosen to sync). Fetch Files goes further: it lets you browse the entire hard drive of a remote PC as long as that PC is turned on, connected to the internet, and signed in to OneDrive with the same Microsoft account.
This is different from syncing. When you sync a folder, a copy of each file lives both on your PC and in the cloud. With Fetch Files, no copy is uploaded unless you explicitly download it. You’re essentially reaching through the internet to grab a file from a specific computer.
How to Turn On Fetch Files
You can enable Fetch Files from the OneDrive desktop app’s settings. The steps are the same for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area (system tray) at the bottom-right of your screen. If you don’t see it, click the up arrow to show hidden icons.
- Click the gear icon (Help & Settings) in the OneDrive pop-up window.
- Select Settings.
- In the Settings tab, look for the section labeled “Fetch Files.�
- Check the box next to “Let me use OneDrive to fetch any of my files on this PC.�
- Click OK to save the change.
That’s it. The setting is per‑PC, so you need to enable it on each computer you want to fetch files from. You can turn it off the same way by unchecking the box.
Why Would You Use Fetch Files?
Fetch Files is useful when you’re away from your main PC but need a document, photo, or other file that isn’t in your OneDrive folder. For example:
- You’re at a coffee shop and realize the presentation you need is on your home desktop, not in your OneDrive.
- You’re on a business trip and need a contract that’s stored in a folder on your office computer.
- You want to grab a file from a shared family PC that isn’t set up to sync everything.
It’s also handy if you have a laptop with limited storage and you don’t want to sync every file—you can leave files on the laptop and fetch them when needed.
How to Fetch a File Once It’s Turned On
After enabling Fetch Files on the target PC, you can access its files from any device where you’re signed in to OneDrive.
- Go to onedrive.com in a web browser and sign in with the same Microsoft account.
- In the left navigation pane, look for a section called PCs. If you don’t see it, click the menu (three horizontal lines) at the top-left.
- Click the name of the PC you want to fetch from.
- You’ll see a list of folders on that PC—typically the user folders like Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and also the entire drive (C:\) if you browse further.
- Navigate to the file you want, click it, and then choose Download.
You can also use the OneDrive mobile app (iOS/Android) to fetch files. The process is similar: open the app, go to the “PCs� section, select the PC, browse, and download.
Common Problems and Limitations
Fetch Files isn’t available in every situation. Here are the most common issues and what they mean:
- PC must be on and connected to the internet. If the computer is asleep, off, or has no internet connection, you can’t fetch from it. You can adjust power settings to prevent sleep while you’re away, but that increases power usage.
- Only works with the OneDrive desktop app. If the PC only uses the OneDrive website (no app installed), Fetch Files won’t work.
- Windows 10/11 only. Fetch Files is not available on macOS or mobile devices as a “fetch source.� Those devices can fetch from a Windows PC, but you can’t enable Fetch Files on a Mac to fetch from that Mac.
- Large files may be slow. The download speed depends on your internet connection and the PC’s upload speed. A 4K video could take a long time.
- Security warning. Microsoft may block fetching from a PC that hasn’t been active recently, or if the account has unusual sign-in activity. You might need to verify your identity with a code.
If you don’t see the “PCs� section in OneDrive, it usually means either Fetch Files isn’t enabled on any PC, or you’re signed in with a different account than the one on the PC you want to fetch from.
Fetch Files vs. OneDrive Sync vs. On-Demand
It’s easy to confuse Fetch Files with two other OneDrive features:
- Sync: Files are copied to the cloud and to your devices. You can access them anywhere, but they take up storage space (unless you use Files On-Demand).
- Files On-Demand: A sync feature that shows all your cloud files in File Explorer but only downloads a file when you open it. It still requires the file to be in your OneDrive folder (or a synced folder).
- Fetch Files: Does not require the file to be in OneDrive at all. It reaches into any folder on the remote PC.
In short: Sync copies, On-Demand streams, and Fetch reaches. If you need a file that’s not in your OneDrive, Fetch is the only option.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Fetch Files creates a potential entry point into your PC. Anyone who gains access to your Microsoft account could potentially fetch files from any PC that has Fetch Files enabled. To reduce risk:
- Use a strong, unique password for your Microsoft account.
- Enable two-step verification (Microsoft calls it “two-step verification� or “Windows Hello� on devices).
- Turn off Fetch Files on PCs you don’t use remotely anymore.
- Be aware that if a PC is stolen, the thief could potentially fetch files from it if they also have your account credentials—though they’d need to log in to the PC first.
Microsoft does not encrypt files in transit differently for Fetch Files than for normal OneDrive traffic—it uses HTTPS. But the main risk is account compromise, not the feature itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t I see the “PCs� option in OneDrive?
The “PCs� section only appears if you have at least one PC with Fetch Files enabled and signed in with the same Microsoft account. If you just enabled it, wait a few minutes and refresh the page. Also make sure you’re signed in to onedrive.com with the same account as on the PC.
Can I fetch files from a PC that’s turned off?
No. The PC must be powered on and connected to the internet. If it’s in sleep mode, you may need to wake it remotely (using Wake-on-LAN or a smart plug) before you can fetch.
Does Fetch Files upload the entire file to the cloud before I download it?
No. When you select a file to fetch, OneDrive creates a temporary link and streams the file directly to your device. It doesn’t permanently store the file in your OneDrive cloud storage. However, the file is transferred through Microsoft’s servers, so it’s not a direct peer-to-peer connection.
Is Fetch Files the same as Remote Desktop?
No. Remote Desktop (or Remote Desktop Connection) gives you full control of the PC’s screen, keyboard, and mouse. Fetch Files only lets you download files—you can’t run programs or see the desktop. For file access only, Fetch Files is simpler and doesn’t require the PC to be on a local network.
Can I fetch files from a PC that has OneDrive but is not signed in?
No. The PC must be signed in to OneDrive with the same Microsoft account you’re using to fetch. If you have multiple accounts on the PC, only the one with Fetch Files enabled will appear in the “PCs� list.
Does Fetch Files work if I’m using a work or school OneDrive account?
Fetch Files is available for personal Microsoft accounts. For work or school accounts, the feature may be disabled by your organization’s IT admin. Check with your IT department if you don’t see the setting.
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