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If OneDrive is using too much space on your computer, right-click downloaded files or folders you do not need offline and select Free up space. This makes them online-only while keeping them in OneDrive. To stop syncing selected folders, use Choose folders; to disconnect the whole computer, use Unlink this PC. Syncing itself is not established here as a cause of physical hard-drive damage.
Choose the right OneDrive control for your goal
| Your goal | Control | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Free local storage but keep files in OneDrive | Free up space | Files become online-only and do not take up computer storage. They download when opened, so an internet connection is needed. |
| Stop only certain folders syncing to this computer | Choose folders | Unchecked folders are removed from the computer but remain online. Some folders cannot be unchecked. |
| Pause syncing temporarily | Pause syncing | Sync pauses for 2, 8, or 24 hours and then resumes automatically. |
| Disconnect this computer from OneDrive | Unlink this PC | The computer disconnects from the account; cloud files remain accessible at OneDrive.com. |
Microsoft says changes and deletions in the local OneDrive folder are reflected on the OneDrive website, and vice versa (Files On-Demand for Windows). Choose the control that matches what you want to change rather than deleting files to reclaim disk space.
Free space while keeping OneDrive sync available
Files On-Demand lets you keep items online-only, locally available, or always available on the device. An online-only item has a cloud icon, does not use local storage, and downloads when you open it. It cannot be opened offline. Locally available items can be opened offline, while items marked Always keep on this device are downloaded and use computer storage.
- In File Explorer, find a downloaded file or folder in OneDrive that you do not need offline.
- Right-click the item and select Free up space.
- Check that the item shows the cloud icon, indicating it is online-only.
This changes the local availability of the item; it does not delete the cloud copy. See Microsoft’s Files On-Demand guidance for details.
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Stop selected folders syncing to this computer
Use folder selection when you want to remove specific synced folders from this computer while retaining their contents online. The documented Windows folder-selection article covers OneDrive for Business 24 and SharePoint Server 2019, so behavior may differ in other managed environments or app builds (Microsoft’s folder-selection instructions).
Windows
- Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
- Open Help & Settings, then Settings.
- Open Account and select Choose folders.
- Uncheck folders you do not want on this computer, then select OK.
macOS
- Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the menu bar.
- Open Preferences, then Account.
- Select Choose Folders and adjust the selected folders.
Microsoft notes that some folders, including Documents, Desktop, Pictures, and Personal Vault, cannot be unchecked. A folder removed by this setting remains online; the setting controls what syncs to that computer.
Rank #2
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
Pause sync or disconnect the computer
Pause for a short time
To temporarily stop activity, select the OneDrive icon, open Help & Settings, choose Pause syncing, and select 2, 8, or 24 hours. OneDrive resumes automatically when the selected period ends. Pausing is not a lasting way to reclaim disk space (Microsoft’s OneDrive controls overview).
Unlink on Windows 10 or 11
- Select the OneDrive cloud icon and open Settings.
- Open Account and select Unlink this PC.
- Select Unlink account to confirm.
Unlink on macOS
Open OneDrive preferences from the menu-bar cloud icon, go to Account, and choose Unlink this Mac. Microsoft’s support article says unlinking does not remove cloud files; they remain accessible by signing in at OneDrive.com. Microsoft’s wording is: “You won’t lose files or data by unlinking OneDrive from your computer. You can always access your files by signing in to OneDrive.com.” See Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Do not delete synced files to free local space
Free up space and Delete do different things. Freeing space makes a downloaded item online-only. Deleting a synced online-only item can remove it from OneDrive and other devices as well. If you delete a file accidentally, Microsoft says deleted items may be restorable through the OneDrive or SharePoint recycle bin, subject to the service’s rules (Microsoft’s deletion guidance).
Uninstalling OneDrive is a separate step
If you want to remove the app rather than merely stop syncing, Windows provides an uninstall option through Settings under installed apps, where supported: select Microsoft OneDrive and choose Uninstall. Availability varies by Windows version. Microsoft says uninstalling the app does not remove files stored in OneDrive; if your aim is simply to disconnect this computer, unlinking is the more direct control.
Rank #4
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
If you reconnect OneDrive later
Microsoft’s Windows relinking steps allow you to select Choose new folder to change the OneDrive folder location. After relinking, OneDrive resyncs files and folders and may use placeholders rather than downloading everything, but syncing can take time. See Microsoft’s OneDrive reinstall and move instructions.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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