How To Use OneDrive’s New File On-Demand Feature In Windows 10

Despite obvious advancements in technology, we still tend to stick with traditional methods of storing data. Cloud Storage has drastically evolved but still most of us prefer to store our data on hard disks and other external storage devices. So why do we still resist in trusting cloud storage services entirely? Even today a vast majority of people is in dark and not aware about the perks of cloud storage services.

Fortunately, Windows 10’s Fall Creator update now rolled out Files on-demand feature on OneDrive which allows you to access files stored on cloud, just like you open locally stored data. In addition to this, it gives you a complete view by listing all your OneDrive files in the File Explorer irrespective of which place they’re stored. And here comes the best part, all the files saved on OneDrive won’t occupy even the tiniest of your Windows storage space but still gives you the leverage to access them locally. Isn’t this great?

Let’s see how to use this feature on Windows 10.

How To Enable Files On Demand Feature On Windows 10

To enable OneDrive’s File on-demand feature on Windows 10 follow these quick steps:

1. 1. Right click on the onedrive (Cloud shaped) icon in the system tray and select “Settings”.
      
   2. In the Settings window, check on the “Save space and download files as you use them” option in the Files on demand section.
      
   3. Now to choose which files are available on files on demand feature, switch to the Accounts tab and tap on the “Choose Folders” option.
      
   4. In the next window, check on “Make all Files available” option so that all your OneDrive folders are easily accessible in the File Explorer window.
      

With this all your data stored in OneDrive will now be accessible in Windows 10’s File Explorer window.

How To Check The Status Of Files In File Explorer

To know the status of a file whether it is stored locally or on cloud:

1. Open File Explorer and tap on One drive option in the top menu bar.
2. In the Onedrive folder you’ll see a new Status column indicating whether the file is available online or in this device. Simply hover your mouse on the icon to see detailed description of file status.
   
3. To access a file simply double click on its name like you usually do to open any application.
   

In case you need to download any Onedrive file on your device then simply double clicking on it will save it on your local storage. To make it always-available white checkmark file, right-click it and select “Always keep on this device”.

How To Upload A File On OneDrive

To upload a local file on OneDrive cloud storage, right click on the file and tap on “Free up Storage”.

Wrap Up

If you’re frequently facing storage troubles on Windows 10 then this feature might really help. OneDrive comes with 1TB storage space and with the Files on-Demand feature accessing files on cloud storage just got easier and more flexible. So, try this out now and do share your feedback!