Free up PC space without deleting OneDrive files
Jump to instructions ↓- Online-only
- Cloud copy
Internet needed to open - Locally available
- Downloaded copy
Can open offline - Always available
- Kept on this device
Uses local disk space
Free up space → online-only. Delete is a different action.
Before you start
Open OneDrive on the web and check that the file you need is there. If uploading is still in progress or OneDrive reports an error, resolve that first. Keep files you need without internet downloaded.
Make a file online-only
- Open your OneDrive folder in File Explorer.
- Right-click one downloaded file you do not need offline.
- Choose Free up space.
- Check for the cloud status icon. The filename should remain visible.
Opening the file again downloads it. To keep it available offline, choose Always keep on this device instead.
Do not use Delete as a shortcut
Deleting a synced file also deletes it online. Free up space changes where its contents are stored; it does not increase your OneDrive cloud allowance.