Working offline with OneDrive
The OneDrive app for Windows
-
Install the Windows version of the OneDrive sync app.
-
Select the Start button, search for OneDrive, and then open it.
-
When OneDrive Setup starts, enter your work or school account, and then select Sign in.
Note: If you already had an account signed-in to OneDrive and you want to add another account, select the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar notification area, select More > Settings > Account > Add an account, and then sign in.
Important PC Folders (auto backup)
You can backup important computer files on OneDrive like your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures files.
-
Open OneDrive settings (select the OneDrive cloud icon in your notification area, and then select the OneDrive Help & Settings icon then Settings.)
-
Go to the Sync and backup tab.
-
Select Manage backup.
Turn on Files On-Demand
OneDrive allows you to save space on your device by making files online only. However, for key files, turn on Files On-Demand to keep files on your hard drive and use offline (it will sync when you are back online).
-
Open OneDrive settings (select the OneDrive cloud icon in your notification area, and then select the OneDrive Help and Settings icon then Settings.)
-
Go to the Sync and back up tab and expand the Advanced settings.
-
Under Files On-Demand, select either Free up disk space or Download all files .
In File Explorer, you can mark a file or folder for offline use or as online-only by right-clicking the item and select Always keep on this device or Free up space.
The OneDrive app for Mac
-
Important: If you're using the OneDrive Mac Store app, uninstall it before installing the latest build of the OneDrive desktop app.
-
Start OneDrive by pressing cmd+ Space to launch a Spotlight query and type OneDrive. This starts OneDrive Setup.
-
Enter your work or school account and then select Sign in.
Important PC Folders (auto backup)
You can backup important computer files on OneDrive like your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures files.
-
Click the OneDrive cloud icon up in your Menu bar, click the three dots to open the menu, and select Preferences.
-
Go to the Backup tab.
-
Select Manage backup.
Turn on Files On-Demand
OneDrive allows you to save space on your device by making files online only. However, for key files, turn on Files On-Demand to keep files on your hard drive and use offline (it will sync when you are back online).
-
Click the OneDrive cloud icon up in your Menu bar, click the three dots to open the menu, and select Preferences.
-
Go to the Preferences tab.
-
Under Files On-Demand, select either Download files as you use them or Download all files now.
In Finder, you can mark a file or folder for offline use or as online-only by right-clicking the item and select Always keep on this device or Free up space.
OneDrive help and training
Need more help?
Want more options?
Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.
Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.
