When you sync your OneDrive or group site documents with your computer, the syncing process results in both the cloud storage location and your computer being updated with the most up-to-date files. This means that if you access your files via the internet or your local device, the same data will exist in both locations.

With OneDrive Files On-Demand, you can sync files and folders to your computer without having to download them and use storage space on your computer.

Turn on Files On-Demand in OneDrive

• Click on the blue OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area (in the Windows 10 toolbar, near the date/time).
• Select Help & Settings.
• Select Settings, and click on the Settings tab at the top.
• Files On-Demand, place a check mark in the Save space, and download files as you use them.
• Click on OK to save changes.

Work With files in Files On-Demand

When you have synced your files and folders from the cloud and Files On-Demand has been selected, you will see a cloud icon to the right of the file or folder name indicating the sync, but data is not stored on your local device.

A green circled check mark to the right of the file or folder name indicates that the data is stored on your local device and the cloud.

You can now copy or move files from your computer to your department group site or your OneDrive storage right from your file system. Be aware that if you delete files and folders from your local device that are synced with the cloud, you will also remove these from the cloud. You must Stop Sync before doing so if you wish to keep the data on the cloud.

Save Space on Your Device by Making Files Online-Only

These files are only available when you’re connected to the internet, but don’t take up space on your computer.

When you open an online-only file, it downloads to your device and becomes locally available.

You can open a locally available file at any time even without internet access.

To make a file always available, even when you’re offline:

Right-click on the file or folder name and select Always keep on this device.

To change a file back to an online-only file:

Right-click on the file or folder and select Free up space.