Windows 10’s Fall Creators Update will make Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage far simpler to use.

With the introduction of Files On-Demand to Windows 10, users will be able to see all their files stored on OneDrive from within File Explorer, without having to first download these files.

Users can now choose whether they keep files synced between OneDrive and their device, or only store files and folders on OneDrive.

To find out how to use Files On-Demand, see our ‘How-to’ article below and video above for a step-by-step guide.

How to enable OneDrive Files On-Demand

1. Go to the OneDrive icon in the taskbar, which looks like two clouds, as seen below. If it is not visible, click the arrow pointing upwards on the righthand side of the taskbar.
   

2. Right-click on the OneDrive icon and select Settings.
   

   

3. Click the Settings tab.
   

   

4. Under the section headed Files On-Demand, check the box labelled Save space and download files as you use them and then click OK.
   

   

How to spot whether files stored locally or in the cloud

1. Files only stored on OneDrive will be marked with this blue cloud icon
   

   

2. Files only stored on OneDrive will be downloaded to the device when they are opened, and their icon will change to this green tick in a white circle.
   

   

3. Files that are synced between OneDrive and your device, so the latest version is always available locally, will have this icon showing a white tick inside a green circle.
   

   

SEE: 15 essential support sites for Windows admins (Tech Pro Research)

How to remove files or folders from your PC to free up space.

1. If you want to remove downloaded files or folders from your device’s storage, right click on the file you want to remove.
2. In the drop-down menu select Clear space. The file will be removed from your drive and be stored only on OneDrive. Files and folders you delete inside File Explorer will be removed from the local machine and OneDrive.
   

   

How to sync files or folders so they are always available

1. To sync files or folders with OneDrive so they are always available on your device, right click on the file you want to sync.
2. In the drop-down menu select Always keep on this device. The file will be synced with OneDrive so the latest version is always available offline.
   

   

How to hide OneDrive files and folders

1. If you don’t want to see particular OneDrive files and folders within File Explorer, go down to the OneDrive icon, as shown below.
2. Right click on the OneDrive icon and select Settings.
   

   

3. Under the Account tab click the button labelled Choose folders.
   

   

4. In the Choose folders window uncheck any folders you don’t want to see in File Explorer and click OK. These folders will no longer be visible but will still be stored on OneDrive. To make folders visible simply check the box next to the folder.
   

   

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