Sync files with OneDrive Files on Demand (2024)

FAQs

How do I sync files with OneDrive files on demand? ›

Click the OneDrive cloud icon up in your Menu bar, click the three dots to open the menu, and select Preferences. Go to the Preferences tab. Under Files On-Demand, select either Download files as you use them or Download all files now.

OneDrive Files On-Demand helps you access all the files in your cloud storage in OneDrive without having to download them and use storage space on your computer.

Even if you have a premium account, the maximum file size you can upload on OneDrive is 10 GB. If you are uploading a large chunk of data, it can also cause the OneDrive sync problem. An unreliable connection, a bad update of your OS, or denial of permission are other common issues that cause OneDrive not to sync.

Step 1: Launch OneDrive and log in with your account. Step 2: Hit the cog icon to select the Settings button. Then go to Account > Choose folder. Step 3: In the popping-up screen, choose the folder or folders you want to sync.

Files On-Demand is turned on by default and is recommended for all users with access to a stable high-speed internet connection. This setting effects both OneDrive and SharePoint, as they both use the same OneDrive App.

OneDrive is built in to some versions of Windows and can't be uninstalled. But you can hide it and stop the sync process, so it stays hidden. To do this, turn off all the OneDrive settings and remove the OneDrive folder from File Explorer. Unlink OneDrive.

Make sure that your speed isn't limited.

There is a feature in OneDrive that allows you to limit sync speed. If you find your OneDrive syncing is slow, you can try removing the speed limit, the sync slow issue may be resolved.

You can check the OneDrive sync status on your Windows desktop by looking at the OneDrive icon in the taskbar notification area. The OneDrive icon displays different statuses to indicate the sync status: A green checkmark indicates that the files are "Up to date" and fully synced with OneDrive.

Click the OneDrive cloud icon up in your Menu bar, click the three dots to open the menu, and select Preferences. Go to the Preferences tab. Under Files On-Demand, select either Download files as you use them or Download all files now.

If you don't want them to sync - right click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar and click settings. Then look at the “Sync and backup” settings -> manage backup and you can switch off any or all of them.

Do OneDrive files take up space on my computer? ›

Files On-Demand gives you easy access to your OneDrive files without taking up storage space on your computer. But, if you view and edit a lot of files in OneDrive, those files can take up extra space.

The sync app automatically takes over syncing in the same folder location you were using before. To choose which folders you're syncing, right-click the blue cloud icon in the taskbar notification area, and select Settings > Account > Choose folders.