If OneDrive is using too much space on your computer, you usually do not need to turn off sync. Right-click downloaded files or folders you can access online and choose Free up space to make them online-only. To stop syncing particular folders to this computer, use OneDrive settings > Account > Choose folders. To disconnect the whole Windows account, choose Unlink this PC.
These controls protect available local storage; Microsoft’s documentation does not establish that syncing physically damages a hard drive. Choose the least disruptive option that meets your goal, and do not use Delete as a substitute for freeing space.
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Choose the right OneDrive control for your goal
| Your goal | Control | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Free local disk space while keeping files in OneDrive | Right-click downloaded items and choose Free up space | Files become online-only. They do not take up space on the computer, but need an internet connection to open and download when opened. Microsoft explains Files On-Demand. |
| Stop syncing selected folders to this computer | Settings > Account > Choose folders; uncheck folders | Unchecked folders are removed from the computer but remain online. Some folders cannot be unchecked. Microsoft’s folder-selection instructions describe the option. |
| Pause syncing temporarily | OneDrive icon > Pause syncing | Choose 2, 8, or 24 hours; syncing resumes automatically. This is not a lasting storage setting. Microsoft lists the pause option. |
| Disconnect this Windows computer from OneDrive | Settings > Account > Unlink this PC > Unlink account | The computer disconnects from the account; files remain accessible at OneDrive.com. Microsoft’s OneDrive options cover unlinking. |
Free up space without turning off sync
Files On-Demand lets a file stay online until you open it, rather than keeping a downloaded copy on the computer. In File Explorer, a cloud icon indicates an online-only file. It downloads when opened and cannot be opened offline. A locally available file can be opened offline; an item marked Always keep on this device is downloaded and uses local storage.
- In File Explorer, find the downloaded OneDrive file or folder you no longer need offline.
- Right-click it and select Free up space.
- Leave it online-only if you want it available through OneDrive without storing its contents on this computer. When you open it later, it downloads again.
This changes whether the local copy is kept; it does not delete the file from OneDrive. See Microsoft’s Files On-Demand guidance.
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Stop syncing selected folders to this computer
Use Choose folders when some OneDrive folders do not need to be present on one computer, but you still want other folders syncing there.
- Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area.
- Open Help and Settings, then Settings.
- Open Account and select Choose folders.
- Uncheck the folders you do not want synced to this computer, then select OK.
The unchecked folders are removed from the computer and remain online. Microsoft notes that some folders, including Documents, Desktop, Pictures, and Personal Vault, cannot be unchecked. The documented folder-selection scope includes OneDrive for Business 24 and SharePoint Server 2019; behavior may differ in other managed environments or app versions. On macOS, open the cloud icon in the menu bar, then go to Preferences > Account > Choose Folders. These choices apply to the computer and account configuration, not as a general deletion from OneDrive. See Microsoft’s folder-selection instructions.
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Pause sync or disconnect the computer
Pause syncing for a short break
From the OneDrive icon, select Pause syncing and choose 2, 8, or 24 hours. OneDrive resumes automatically after the selected period. Pausing is useful for a temporary interruption, but it does not make downloaded files online-only or provide a persistent way to reclaim their space. Microsoft documents the pause setting in its OneDrive controls overview.
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For Windows 10 or Windows 11, select the OneDrive cloud icon, open Settings, go to Account, select Unlink this PC, then confirm with Unlink account. Microsoft says unlinking does not lose files or data and that cloud files remain accessible by signing in at OneDrive.com. On macOS, the corresponding option is Unlink this Mac.
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If you link the account again on Windows, Microsoft says you can select Choose new folder to change the OneDrive folder location. Relinking resyncs files and folders using placeholders rather than downloading everything, and can take time. See Microsoft’s relinking instructions.
Do not delete synced files to reclaim local space
OneDrive sync connects changes across locations: changes or deletions in the local OneDrive folder are reflected on the OneDrive website, and vice versa. Microsoft warns that deleting a synced online-only file from the device removes it from the cloud and other devices too. Deleted items may be restorable through the OneDrive or SharePoint recycle bin, subject to the service’s rules. To retain the cloud file while clearing its downloaded copy, use Free up space, not Delete. See Microsoft’s deletion guidance.
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Uninstall OneDrive only if you want to remove the app
Uninstalling is different from freeing space or unlinking an account. Windows Settings lists installed apps; where supported, select Microsoft OneDrive and choose Uninstall. Microsoft says uninstalling does not remove cloud files, but availability varies by Windows version. If your aim is simply to stop this computer syncing, unlinking is the more direct control. See Microsoft’s instructions for turning off or uninstalling OneDrive.
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