My computer is not downloading my files from the cloud, "Allow previously blocked apps to request automatic files downloads" is not available.

Question

My computer is not downloading my files from the cloud, “Allow previously blocked apps to request automatic files downloads” is not available.

I've been trying to open files but always the same problem, did not start to download what is in the cloud.
I tried to follow the information below, but the paths are different on my computer.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/automatic-downloads-allow-option-not-available/0b642b5a-a596-4709-8002-3ca589e892a0

Answer 1

Hi Andrei! Thanks for writing. I am Tin, and I am an independent advisor. I am so happy to offer you any needed assistance today. Please keep in mind that this user-to-user community forum is open to the public.

That was really so good of you to give a detailed description. As far as I get it, your current situation is such that when you clicked on a file stored in a cloud, such as OneDrive or iCloud, your computer directly and automatically download the file anymore; your configuration does not possess the appropriate setting, i.e., "Allow automatic file download requests by previous Blocked apps."

This usually happens if you have OneDrive Files On-Demand or similar technology. The files will appear in your file explorer, but they will stay online only until the time of access. Now let's get started on a complete diagnosis and fix.

Stepwise Guide

1. Determine File Status

Right-click on the file that is not opening and determine the icon status:

Cloud icon: File is online-only.

Green check mark: File is available locally.

Sync icon: File is in download/sync process.

Do not proceed until the cloud icon stops, and the file does not download on open.

2. Allow AutoFile Downloads (Windows Pro only)

If you run Windows 11/10 Pro, perform the following:

Press Win+R - type gpedit.msc - hit Enter.

Go to:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Attachment Manager

Search for: "Do not preserve zone information in file attachments" — set this to DISABLED.

Next, navigate to:

Computer Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows Components - OneDrive

Look for and allow, if it exists:

"Allow apps to automatically download cloud-stored files"

Reboot your system.

3.Registry Tweaks (missing option for Home edition)

If you're in Windows Home or if the option is missing in Group Policy, do this:

Press Win + R - type regedit - Enter.

Go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CloudFiles

If there is no CloudFiles key, right-click on Windows - New - Key - name it CloudFiles.

Within CloudFiles, right-click on the right pane → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value

Name it: DisableAutoDownload

Set value to: 0

Restart the computer.

4.OneDrive Settings

Also, check the OneDrive settings:

Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray - Settings.

On the Sync and Backup tab, make sure:

Files On-Demand is enabled.

Under Manage backup verify the folders required are selected.

Logout and Login into OneDrive again if necessary.

5.Windows Security / Controlled Folder Access

Sometimes Controlled Folder Access blocks OneDrive from downloading files:

Go to Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Manage ransomware protection.

If Controlled folder access is on, click Allow an app through Controlled folder access and add:

OneDrive.exe

Explorer.exe

Could you please try out these steps and let me know if it works out? And, in case that any other error arises, I would love to have more information it.

Regards,

Tin