Files show a cloud icon even after opening them

Wesley Hughes 0 Reputation points
2026-09-28T02:51:43.1966667+00:00

Some files in my OneDrive folder always show the cloud icon. I can open them normally, but they don’t seem to stay on my computer. Is this related to Files On-Demand?

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For business | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-28T02:51:55.83+00:00

    Yes. This is related to OneDrive Files On-Demand.

    A blue cloud icon means the file is online-only. It does not stay stored on the PC, and it does not take up local disk space. Normally, when an online-only file is opened, it downloads and becomes a locally available file. If it still returns to the cloud state, that usually means it has not been marked to stay offline.

    To keep a file on the computer:

    1. In File Explorer, right-click the file or folder.
    2. Select Always keep on this device.

    That setting makes it an always available file, shown with a green circle and white check mark.

    If the file only shows a green check mark after opening, that means it is locally available for now, but it can be changed back to online-only later. With Storage Sense turned on, locally available files can become online-only again after the selected time period.

    If Files On-Demand behavior needs to be reviewed in OneDrive settings on Windows:

    1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
    2. Open Help and Settings > Settings.
    3. Depending on the OneDrive settings experience, use either:
      • Save space and download files as you use them, or
      • Sync and back up > Advanced settings to choose how files are accessed.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Jade Ng 15,860 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-28T05:21:46.0133333+00:00

    Dear Wesley Hughes,

    Yes, this behavior can be related to OneDrive Files On-Demand. The blue cloud icon means that the file is currently online-only and is not stored locally on your computer

    Normally, opening an online-only file downloads it and makes it locally available. If the file later returns to a cloud icon, Storage Sense may be making locally available files online-only again based on its configured settings.

    As a test, please right-select one affected file in File Explorer and select Always keep on this device. Then check whether the file displays a green circle with a white check mark and remains available after closing and reopening OneDrive or File Explorer.

    Also, please let me know whether the file changes to a green check mark when you first open it and then returns to the cloud icon later, or whether it continues showing the cloud icon immediately after you open it.

    Thank you for your cooperation. Looking forward to hearing from you!

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