OneDrive Files On-Demand: Turn It On or Off
OneDrive Files On-Demand lets you see all your cloud-synced files in File Explorer without downloading them to your PC, saving local storage. You can turn it on or off in a few clicks from the OneDrive settings, and this article explains exactly how, plus what happens either way.
What Is OneDrive Files On-Demand?
Files On-Demand is a Windows 10 feature that shows your entire OneDrive library in File Explorer while keeping most files only in the cloud. Each file gets a status icon: a blue cloud outline means it’s online-only, a white checkmark on a green background means it’s locally available, and a solid green checkmark means it’s always kept on this device. You can open an online-only file normally—Windows downloads it on the spot—and it becomes locally available until you right-click and choose “Free up space.”
The feature was introduced with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (version 1709) and is enabled by default for most new installs. If you don’t see the option, your Windows version may be older, or your organization’s policy may have disabled it.
How to Turn Files On-Demand On or Off
- Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area (bottom-right, near the clock). If you don’t see it, click the up arrow to show hidden icons.
- Select Settings (or Preferences in some versions).
- Go to the Settings tab.
- Under “Files On-Demand,” check or uncheck Save space and download files as you use them.
- Click OK and wait a few seconds for the change to apply.
If the checkbox is grayed out, your PC may not meet the requirements (see below) or your OneDrive account is a work/school account with policy restrictions. In that case, contact your IT admin.
What Happens When You Turn It Off
When you disable Files On-Demand, OneDrive will download every file and folder in your cloud storage to your PC. This can take a long time and consume a lot of disk space, especially if you have many files or large media. After the download finishes, all files are marked as “Always keep on this device.”
Turning it off also means you can no longer see online-only placeholders. If you have a huge OneDrive library (say, 200 GB of photos), turning it off could fill your hard drive. Before you do, check how much free space you have and consider selecting only specific folders to sync instead.
Requirements and Limitations
- Windows 10 version 1709 or later (most current builds are fine).
- NTFS file system on the drive where OneDrive is installed (FAT32 and exFAT don’t support the placeholder feature).
- OneDrive app version 17.9.2 or newer.
- Files On-Demand works with personal, work, and school accounts, but some organizational policies may force it on or off.
- It does not work on Windows 10 in S Mode (unless you switch out of S Mode).
Common Problems and Fixes
Problem: The option is missing. Update Windows and the OneDrive app. If you’re on an older build, you may need to install the Fall Creators Update. Also, make sure OneDrive is running—if you’ve signed out, the icon won’t appear.
Problem: Files won’t download when I open them. Check your internet connection and ensure you’re signed in to OneDrive. If a file is stuck, right-click it and select “Always keep on this device” to force a download.
Problem: I turned it off, but files are still online-only. Wait a few minutes; the download runs in the background. If it never starts, restart OneDrive (right-click the icon → Exit, then reopen from Start menu).
How to Choose: On or Off?
Turn it on if your PC has limited storage (e.g., a 128 GB SSD) or you have a large OneDrive library. It’s also great for laptops with small drives where you want to see all files but not store them locally.
Turn it off if you need offline access to every file (like when traveling without internet) or if you prefer to have everything backed up locally. Also, if you use third-party backup software that doesn’t understand online-only placeholders, turning it off ensures those tools see real files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off Files On-Demand delete my files from the cloud? No. It only downloads copies to your PC. Your cloud files remain intact.
Can I turn it on for some folders and off for others? No, it’s a global setting. But you can choose which folders sync via OneDrive settings → Account → Choose folders. Online-only files in unsynced folders won’t appear at all.
Will turning it off slow down my PC? It can, temporarily, because OneDrive is downloading many files. After the initial sync, performance returns to normal.
How do I free up space after using Files On-Demand? Right-click any file or folder and select “Free up space.” This removes the local copy and makes it online-only again.
Does Files On-Demand work with external drives? No, it only works on the system drive (typically C:) where OneDrive is installed. You cannot store online-only placeholders on an external USB drive.
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