Download one drive files to use it offline

mayer z 60 Reputation points
2026-06-07T15:34:30.2066667+00:00

When I choose the option "Always keep on this device" is changing the symbol on the file from the turning arrow symbol to the cloud symbol, but it's not come up the green check, and I'm still not able to open it when 'offline'

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
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EmilyS726 269.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-06-07T16:11:11.4+00:00

Hello

It sounds like it is doing the opposite instead.

Have you tried signing out of your OneDrive altogether, and sign back in, and repeat the steps again to see if it works?

I would also suggest that you go through OneDrive settings instead:

On the "Sync and Backup" tab, click on "Advanced Settings" to expand that section. Then under File On-Demand, click on "Download all files".

Let me know if that makes any difference.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-07T15:34:50.6733333+00:00

    "Always keep on this device" should give the file the green circle with a white check mark icon and make it available offline. If the icon changes back to a cloud and the file won’t open offline, it means the file is still online‑only and hasn’t actually been downloaded or is being reverted to online‑only.

    To ensure files are really available offline on Windows with OneDrive Files On-Demand:

    1. Verify Files On-Demand settings
      • Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
      • Choose Help & Settings > Settings.
      • Go to the Sync and back up tab, expand Advanced settings, and make sure Files On-Demand is turned on.
    2. Force the file to download
      • In File Explorer, right‑click the file or folder.
      • Select Always keep on this device.
      • Wait for the sync to complete; the status icon should change from the blue cloud (online‑only) to the green circle with a white check mark (always available file).
      • If it stays as a cloud, check that the sync status isn’t stuck (for example, “Processing changes” or sync pending) and that the PC is online.
    3. Confirm the status icon
      • Blue cloud icon: file is online‑only and won’t open offline.
      • Plain white icon (no cloud, no green check): file is locally available and can be opened offline, but may be turned back to online‑only later if Free up space or Storage Sense is used.
      • Green circle with white check mark: file is Always keep on this device and should always be available offline.

    If more space is needed, Windows or OneDrive may automatically move files back to online‑only. Avoid using Free up space on files that must stay offline, and ensure there is enough free disk space so OneDrive doesn’t need to reclaim space.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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