How to Clear OneDrive Storage (9 Methods)

Managing your OneDrive storage is essential for ensuring you have space for new files. A full cloud drive can stop you from saving important documents and photos.

Keeping your storage organized helps maintain efficiency and prevents interruptions.

This guide provides several methods to help you clear space in your OneDrive account effectively.

1 Key Takeaways

• You can clear OneDrive storage using dedicated tools like CleanMyMac for an organized cleanup on a Mac.
• Standard methods include manually deleting files, using the “Free up space” feature, and enabling Files On-Demand.
• Automated tools like Windows Storage Sense can help manage local and cloud files without manual effort.
• Regularly checking for large files, duplicates, and unneeded synced folders is a key practice for storage management.

2 Methods to Clear OneDrive Storage

Here are several ways to free up space in your OneDrive account.

2.1 Using CleanMyMac on Mac (Recommended)

CleanMyMac offers a simple way to manage your cloud storage directly from your desktop. The Cloud Cleanup tool helps you see what is taking up space and remove it.

• Download and Install: First, download CleanMyMac and install it on your computer if you do not have it.
• Open Cloud Cleanup: Launch the application. Find the “Cloud Cleanup” option in the menu on the bottom left side.
• Add Your Cloud: Click the “Add Another Cloud” button. Select OneDrive from the list. You can also connect other services like iCloud and Google Drive.

• Connect OneDrive: You must have the OneDrive application installed on your Mac for this feature to work. Connect your account to allow CleanMyMac to access it.
• Scan and Review: Start the scan. The tool will analyze your OneDrive storage and show you what files are taking up the most space.

• Delete Files: Review the files presented after the scan. It is best to review and delete files manually to ensure you do not remove anything important.

2.2 Delete Files and Folders from the Cloud

The most direct way to clear storage is by deleting items you no longer need.

• Log in to your account at onedrive.live.com.
• Select the files or folders you want to remove.
• Right-click your selection and choose “Delete.” The items move to the OneDrive Recycle Bin.

• To permanently remove them, open the Recycle Bin from the sidebar.

• You can select specific files and click “Delete” or choose “Empty recycle bin” to clear everything at once. Items in the bin still use storage until they are permanently deleted.

2.3 Use “Free Up Space” on Your Computer

This feature helps you clear local disk space on your computer without removing files from the cloud.

• Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
• Navigate to your OneDrive folder.
• Right-click on a file or folder that is saved locally.
• Select “Free up space.” This removes the local copy of the file, but it remains available in your OneDrive cloud.

2.4 Enable Files On-Demand

Files On-Demand downloads files only when you need to use them, which saves a significant amount of local storage.

• Click the OneDrive icon in your taskbar or menu bar.
• Go to Settings.
• Under the “Settings” tab, check the box for “Save space and download files as you use them.”

2.5 Identify and Delete Large Files

Finding and removing large, unnecessary files can quickly free up a lot of storage.

• Go to the OneDrive website.
• Click the gear icon > Settings.

• Select “Manage Storage” and look for an option under storage summary that says “Free Up Space” and select OneDrive option.

• This page shows you your largest files. Review the list and delete any you do not need.

2.6 Migrate or Download Files

If you need to keep files but do not need them in OneDrive, you can move them elsewhere.

• Select the files or folders you want to archive.
• Download them to your computer or an external hard drive.
• Once you confirm the files are saved securely, delete them from your OneDrive account.

2.7 Deselect Folders from Syncing

You can choose which OneDrive folders sync to your computer. This removes them from your local drive but keeps them in the cloud.

• Open OneDrive settings from the taskbar icon.
• Go to the “Account” tab and click “Choose folders.”
• Uncheck the boxes next to any folders you do not want on your computer.
• Click “OK.” The unselected folders will be removed from your local OneDrive directory.

2.8 Use Windows Storage Sense

For Windows users, Storage Sense can automate the cleanup process for you.

• Go to Start > Settings > System > Storage.
• Toggle Storage Sense to “On.”
• Under “Configure Storage Sense or run it now,” you can set how often it runs and instruct it to make unused OneDrive files online-only automatically.

2.9 Clear Mobile Device Storage

The OneDrive mobile app has a tool to clean up local copies of files.

• Open the OneDrive app on your Android or iOS device.
• Go to the “Me” tab.
• Select the option to “Clean up space on your device.” This removes downloaded copies of files from your phone, freeing up space.

3 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

3.1 How do I clear my OneDrive storage easily on web?

To clear your OneDrive storage, log in to the OneDrive website. You can select and delete files or folders you no longer need. After deleting, go to the “Recycle bin” in the left-hand menu. From there, you can permanently delete specific items or select “Empty recycle bin” to remove everything at once. This action permanently frees up the space used by those files.

3.2 How do I fully clear my OneDrive storage without touching the original files?

To clear OneDrive without deleting files from your computer, you need to stop the automatic backup feature. Go to OneDrive settings and select the “Sync and back up” tab. Click “Manage Back up” and turn off folder backup for options like Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. After this, you can delete files from the OneDrive cloud, and the original files will remain on your computer. Always back up important files before deleting them from the cloud.

3.3 How do I free up space on my computer using OneDrive?

You can free up computer space with the “Free up space” feature. In File Explorer or Finder, find your OneDrive folder. Right-click on a file or folder and select “Free up space.” This action removes the local copy from your computer but keeps the file safely stored in the OneDrive cloud. The file will download again only when you open it next. This is useful for saving local disk space while keeping files accessible.

4 Final Thoughts

Regularly managing your OneDrive storage is a good habit. It ensures you always have room for your most important files and helps you stay organized. Whether you use a dedicated tool like CleanMyMac for a streamlined process or prefer manual methods, taking time to clear out unneeded files makes a difference. Choose the method that fits your workflow to keep your cloud storage clean and functional.