Local Onedrive files won't open when away from Wifi

The catch is in how OneDrive’s Files On-Demand works. Out of the box, OneDrive doesn’t automatically keep all files on your Surface; it only fetches them when needed. That’s why sometimes you see the “Excel cannot open” error offline — the file wasn’t fully cached.

Here’s how you can maybe make OneDrive behave like you want:

How to force OneDrive to always keep local copies in sync

Option 1: Disable Files On-Demand (everything always offline)

1. Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray → Settings.
2. Go to Sync and backup.
3. Uncheck: Save space and download files as you use them.
• Now every file in OneDrive is stored locally on your Surface.
• When you’re online, changes sync up/down automatically.
• When you’re offline, the local copy is always there and up to date (as of your last sync).

Downside: Uses more disk space, since your entire OneDrive stays on the Surface.

Option 2: Selectively keep folders always offline

1. In File Explorer, right-click any folder or file in OneDrive.
2. Select Always keep on this device.
• A green checkmark in a circle means it’s stored locally.
• OneDrive will keep syncing changes both ways whenever you’re online.
• When offline, the file is guaranteed to open.

Good if you only need certain work/travel folders to be offline, and you want to save storage.

My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

Hope this will help you.

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