How do I put files on one drive and remove from computer due to space issues

Lori Dropik 20 Reputation points
2026-10-27T21:30:47.41+00:00

I have files on my computer that sync with one drive. I am out of space on my computer and need to take files off of the computer but want them to be retained to one drive. How do I do that?

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | Other | Windows
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AI answer

2026-10-27T21:31:13.6233333+00:00

Use Free up space in File Explorer to make the synced files online-only; do not delete them, because deletion also removes them from OneDrive.

Make files online-only

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Select OneDrive in the left pane.
  3. Select the files or folders you want to remove from the computer. You can select an entire folder or multiple items.
  4. Right-click the selection and choose Free up space.
  5. Wait for the status icon to change to a blue cloud.

The blue cloud means the item is stored online and no longer occupies normal local disk space. It remains visible in File Explorer and will download again when you open it, so an Internet connection is required. Changing a file to online-only does not delete it from OneDrive.^1^

Icon meanings:

  • Blue cloud: Online-only.
  • Green check: Downloaded and locally available.
  • Solid green circle with white check: Always keep on this device is enabled, so the file continues using computer storage.

If “Free up space” is missing

  1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area.
  2. Select Help & Settings → Settings.
  3. Open Sync and back up.
  4. Expand Advanced settings.
  5. Turn on Files On-Demand.
  6. Return to File Explorer, right-click the files or folders, and select Free up space.^1^

Files On-Demand is enabled by default in OneDrive build 23.066 and later. It requires Windows 10 version 1709 or later and is not supported when Windows Information Protection is enabled.

Important warning

Do not press Delete or empty the files from the OneDrive folder. Deleting a synced file deletes it from OneDrive online and other synced devices as well. Free up space is the correct operation when you want to retain the cloud copy while reclaiming computer storage.^2^

References

  1. Save disk space with OneDrive Files On-Demand for Windows | Microsoft Support
  2. [Windows](https://support.microsoft.com/onedrive/delete-files-or-folders-in-onedrive#delete-items-from-your-onedrive,-your-hard-drive,-or-both-in-windows)
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