OneDrive is a cloud storage service integrated into Windows 11 that helps you keep your files safe and accessible from anywhere. Sometimes, you might want to keep specific files or folders always available on your device, even without internet access. This is where the “Always Keep on This Device” feature comes in handy.
This feature ensures your chosen files are downloaded and stored locally on your computer. You can open and edit them anytime, without worrying about connectivity issues.
Enabling and using this feature is simple and helps improve your workflow, especially for important documents.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to enable and use “Always Keep on This Device” in Windows 11.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure you are signed in to OneDrive with your Microsoft account on your Windows 11 PC.
- Confirm that OneDrive syncing is enabled and running. You can check this in the system tray near the clock.
- Ensure you have enough local storage space for the files you want to keep offline.
- Understand that files marked “Always Keep on This Device” will use local disk space, so choose files wisely.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enable “Always Keep on This Device”
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Click on the File Explorer icon in your taskbar or press Windows + E on your keyboard. This will open the main window where you can browse all files and folders on your computer.
Step 2: Locate Your OneDrive Folder
In the File Explorer sidebar, look for the OneDrive folder. It usually appears with a blue cloud icon. Click on it to open your OneDrive files and folders.
Step 3: Select the Files or Folders to Keep Always
Browse through your OneDrive folder and find the files or folders you want to keep on your device. You can select multiple items by holding down Ctrl and clicking each item.
Step 4: Right-click and Choose “Always Keep on This Device”
After selecting the files or folders, right-click on the selection to open the context menu. In this menu, click on “Always keep on this device”.
This action tells OneDrive to download and store the selected files locally. You will see a green checkmark icon with a white circle next to the file or folder, indicating it is always available offline.
Step 5: Verify the Download Status
After enabling the feature, OneDrive starts downloading the files to your PC. You can monitor this by looking at the file icons in File Explorer. Once the green checkmark appears, your files are fully available offline.
Why Is This Important?
Marking files as “Always Keep on This Device” ensures you can access and edit them even when you have no internet connection. This is useful for working on crucial documents during travel, in places with poor connectivity, or when you want faster access to frequently used files.
Alternative Method: Using OneDrive Settings
You can also manage which folders are kept offline via the OneDrive app settings:
- Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray.
- Click on Help & Settings (the gear icon), then select Settings.
- Go to the Account tab and click on Choose folders.
- Check the folders you want to sync and keep on your device. Unchecked folders remain online-only.
This method is useful if you want to manage multiple folders at once instead of individual files.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What happens if I run out of local storage?
A: OneDrive will stop downloading new files marked “Always Keep on This Device” if your disk is full. You may need to free up space or choose fewer files to keep offline.
Q: Can I reverse the “Always Keep on This Device” setting?
A: Yes. Right-click the file or folder in OneDrive and select “Free up space”. This removes the local copy but keeps the file in the cloud.
Q: Will my files stay updated if they are always kept on the device?
A: Yes. OneDrive automatically syncs changes between your device and the cloud whenever you have an internet connection.
Q: Is this feature available on all versions of Windows 11?
A: This feature is available on Windows 11 Professional, Home, and Enterprise editions, as long as OneDrive is installed and signed in.
Q: Can I do this with shared OneDrive files?
A: Yes, you can mark shared files or folders as “Always Keep on This Device” if you have access to them in your OneDrive folder.
When Nothing Works
If you encounter issues with OneDrive not syncing or the “Always Keep on This Device” option not working, try these final steps:
- Restart your computer and OneDrive app.
- Ensure Windows 11 and OneDrive are updated to the latest versions.
- Reset OneDrive by running
%localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe /resetin the Run dialog (Windows + R). - Check your internet connection and firewall settings.
- Visit the official Microsoft OneDrive support page: Microsoft OneDrive Support.
Conclusion
Using OneDrive’s “Always Keep on This Device” feature in Windows 11 is an easy way to ensure your important files are always accessible, even offline. By following the simple steps in this guide, you can improve your productivity and avoid connectivity issues.
Remember to manage your local storage carefully and keep your OneDrive app updated for the best experience. Whether you prefer right-clicking individual files or managing folders through OneDrive settings, this feature gives you full control over your files.
Try it out today and enjoy seamless access to your documents no matter where you are.