If you're running low on disk space, turning off local storage in OneDrive can be a game-changer.
By default, OneDrive stores a local copy of your files on your computer, which can quickly eat up space.
You can free up to 5 GB of disk space by turning off local storage in OneDrive.
This is especially useful if you're using an older computer with limited storage capacity.
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Disable Folder Backups
To disable folder backups in OneDrive, you need to stop syncing your files to the cloud. Click the OneDrive icon on the taskbar, then click the cog wheel icon and choose Settings.
You'll need to switch to the Sync and backup tab, and under each folder (Desktop, Pictures, and Documents), click Stop backup. If you have the new version of OneDrive, click the toggles next to each folder to set them to Off.
Stopping backup for these folders will remove the backed up files from your local folder, but they'll still be available in your OneDrive storage. You can copy or move them back to the respective local folders if you need them.
However, you can also choose to disable OneDrive entirely by uninstalling the Microsoft OneDrive app from Windows via the Settings app. This will decouple your computer from your online OneDrive account.
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Understanding the Impact
Turning off local storage in OneDrive can have a significant impact on your device's performance.
Local storage on OneDrive can take up a lot of space, up to 5% of your device's storage capacity.
This can slow down your device, especially if you have a limited amount of storage space.
However, turning off local storage can also affect your ability to access files offline.
OneDrive's local cache can store up to 100MB of data, which can be useful for accessing files without an internet connection.
But, if you turn off local storage, you'll need to be connected to the internet to access your files.
This can be a problem if you're in an area with poor internet connectivity.
On the other hand, turning off local storage can also reduce the risk of data loss due to device failure.
If your device is damaged or corrupted, data stored locally can be lost forever.
By storing files only in the cloud, you can rest assured that your data is safe and backed up.
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Alternative Solutions
If you're looking for alternative solutions to OneDrive's local storage, consider using Google Drive. Google Drive allows for 15GB of free storage, which is more than OneDrive's 5GB.
You can also use Dropbox, which offers 2GB of free storage. This might be a good option if you already use other Dropbox features.
Another alternative is pCloud, which offers 10GB of free storage. This is a good option if you want more storage space than OneDrive but don't want to pay for it.
Cloud storage services like iCloud and Mega also offer free storage options.
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Removing Office Integration
Removing Office Integration is a crucial step in disabling OneDrive's local storage. You can start by uninstalling the Microsoft OneDrive app from Windows via the Settings app, which will decouple your computer from your online OneDrive account.
To stop Microsoft Office applications from using OneDrive, you'll need to adjust the Save settings of Office apps. The most important option to adjust is found in the Save settings of Office apps.
By following these steps, you'll be able to break the connection between your Office apps and OneDrive, effectively disabling its local storage.
Clear Desktop, Save Space in the Cloud
I always disable the OneDrive folder backup feature as soon as I turn on my PC for the first time, and I recommend you do the same if you want to avoid any hassle.
Disabling this feature from the start makes things a bit simpler. If you've been using your computer for a while and are only disabling the feature now, you'll have to fetch some of your files back from the respective OneDrive folder.
To disable OneDrive folder backup, open File Explorer, right-click the OneDrive icon in the navigation pane on the left, and choose OneDrive > Manage OneDrive Backup.
You'll see a list of folders where folder backup is currently turned on. Slide the On/Off switch to the left (Off) position, and then click Save Changes to turn off folder backup.
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Hide or Uninstall
If you're looking to turn off local storage on OneDrive, you can start by hiding or uninstalling the service on your Windows device.
You can hide or uninstall OneDrive on some versions of Windows.
To do this, you can also unlink OneDrive, which is a separate option from hiding or uninstalling the service.
Uninstalling the OneDrive mobile app is also an option for Android and iOS devices.
This means you can remove OneDrive from your mobile devices if you no longer need it.
Sources
- https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/work-life/is-onedrive-moving-all-your-files-how-to-take-back-control-of-your-windows-storage-3-ways/
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/turn-off-disable-or-uninstall-onedrive-f32a17ce-3336-40fe-9c38-6efb09f944b0
- https://www.xda-developers.com/turn-off-onedrive-folder-backup-windows-11/
- https://www.picbackman.com/tips-tricks/how-to-stop-onedrive-from-syncing-a-comprehensive-guide/
- https://askleo.com/how-do-i-disable-onedrive-in-office-365/
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