OneDrive is a popular cloud-based service for storing and syncing files. However, many users find that they also have a copy of their OneDrive files stored locally on their computer. This can be convenient, but it can also take up valuable disk space. So, if you want to remove the local copy of your OneDrive files without deleting them from the cloud, here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open OneDrive Settings

The first step is to open OneDrive settings. To do this, right-click on the OneDrive icon in your system tray (the lower right corner of your screen), and select “Settings” from the popup menu.

Step 2: Choose Which Files to Sync

In the settings window, click on the “Account” tab at the top, then click on the “Choose folders” button. This will open a window where you can choose which folders to sync with OneDrive.
Deactivate synchronization for the folders you no longer want to keep on your computer, and leave the folders that you still need to access easily.

Step 3: Unlink Your Computer from OneDrive

Once you have chosen which folders to sync with OneDrive, the next step is to unlink your computer from OneDrive, i.e., break the link between your computer and OneDrive, freeing up space on your computer.
To do this, go back to the “Account” tab in settings and click on the “Unlink this PC” link. Confirm your decision by clicking “Unlink account” when prompted.

Step 4: Delete the Local OneDrive Folder

The “Unlink this PC” process will stop syncing files with OneDrive and remove the local OneDrive folder from your computer.
If you want to remove the folder and its contents completely, you can delete it manually, either from the File Explorer or by going to the Recycle Bin and clicking “Empty Recycle Bin.”

Step 5: Verify Your Files in the Cloud

By following the above steps, you would have successfully freed up space on your local computer, and your OneDrive files will still be safe in the cloud.
To verify the integrity of your cloud files, check your OneDrive account to confirm that you can still access them. The OneDrive web portal is an excellent place to check your cloud files’ status and ensure that all folders and files are still available.

Conclusion

If you want to free up space on your computer by removing local files from OneDrive, follow the above steps. Though it might sound overwhelming, the process is easy-peasy and can be done in just a few clicks. Also, ensure that you verify your files in the cloud to confirm that you can still access them.