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Can I store files in the cloud and not on my PC but have autosync for the remaining files on my PC?

Anonymous
2024-02-11T21:11:00+00:00

Hi Support,

I currently have Onedrive auto-syncing all my files on my computer to the cloud. However, I am running low on storage on my computer and I would like to keep various files in the cloud only. I would also like to back up the remaining files on my PC harddrive automatically for the files that remain on my PC harddrive and the ones I save in the future.

Is this possible?

Thanks for the help!

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-02-11T23:15:35+00:00

    Hi there Chris W,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community

    I'm Bobadoye and I'd be happy to help you out with your question.

    You can keep some of your files in the Cloud only, to achieve that: Right-click on the OneDrive icon in your notification area>Settings>Account>Choose Folders> Unselect the folders you want in the cloud and not on your PC, the file will be hidden from your File Explorer and will be available in the Cloud.

    I hope this information helps. If you have any questions, please let me know and I'll be glad to assist you further.

    If the reply was helpful, please don’t forget to upvote or accept as an answer, thank you.

    Best Regards,

    Bobadoye

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  2. Craig Long 17,825 Reputation points
    2024-02-12T01:29:22+00:00

    Thank you Bobadoye,

    When I try and unselect the folders I do not want on my PC, I am presented with the following message:

    "Can't Stop Syncing Folder. The folder you tried to select contains the Windows desktop folder, which is an important folder in Windows and is currently pointing to OneDrive>"

    That is true. You are not allowed to deselect the Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music, or Videos folders since they cannot be made online-only.

    Try this test:

    Drop a folder directly into the OneDrive folder but don't place it in the Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music, or Videos folders. Now you should be able to uncheck it to make it online-only.

    If you don't mind links to online-only files appearing on your computer then consider the Files On-Demand > Free up space feature of OneDrive.

    This video is designed for Windows 10 but is still relevant:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/sync-files-with-onedrive-files-on-demand-62e8d748-7877-420f-b600-24b56562aa70

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-02-11T23:47:37+00:00

    Thank you Bobadoye,

    When I try and unselect the folders I do not want on my PC, I am presented with the following message:

    "Can't Stop Syncing Folder. The folder you tried to select contains the Windows desktop folder, which is an important folder in Windows and is currently pointing to OneDrive>"

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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