In this solutions article, I will go over the basics of managing what files and folders sync to OneDrive and How to free up space on your computer, by only keeping copies of the things you need often, on your computer.
Accessing your OneDrive Folder
Chances are, your computer is already syncing OneDrive and its contents to your computer. You can find this folder by clicking on the blue cloud on your task bar, and clicking the 'Open Folder' button.
This will take you to a folder that looks something like this:
What do the icons mean?
 | Always backup - The green check icons are folders and files that are stored on OneDrive AND saved locally on your device. This option is best for files you access often and would like a backup of. |
 | Online Only -The blue cloud icon represents files that are stored on OneDrive, but NOT locally on your computer. This option is best for files you want to keep, but do not use all that often. |
 | The white and green check icons are files that were 'online only' that you have opened on your computer. When you open them, they are downloaded back onto your device so you can see them and the blue cloud icon changes to this icon to represent that it is currently downloaded. |
 | The 'refresh' icon are for files and folders that are currently being synced to one drive. It will be replaced with either a check or cloud once it finishes. |
 | The 'person' icon represents files and folders you have shared through one drive with other people. |
Freeing up space
The easiest way to free up space is to right click on folders and files with a green or white circle, and selecting Free up space. This will turn the green circle into a blue cloud and remove the file/folder from your device and keep it only on onedrive. If you try to open it, it will redownload the file from onedrive first.
Choosing to sync computer files
You can only choose whether or not you would like to sync computer files such as your Desktop, Documents Folders, and Pictures. To change these settings, click on the blue cloud icon on the taskbar
Click on the help and settings gear, then settings from the list that pops up
Next click on the backup tab and select Manage Backup.
Here you will get three boxes. The checked boxes are the folders you are currently syncing. Uncheck or check your desired boxes and click Start Backup. This will apply those changes.
