Forum Discussion
Is One Drive right for simple storage
HiArtrina
Yes, OneDrive can do this, though it works a little differently from what you're picturing, so it helps to set it up on purpose.
By default OneDrive is a sync service. Anything in your OneDrive folder gets uploaded automatically, and if you delete a file on your PC, it's deleted from the cloud too (it sits in the OneDrive recycle bin for a while, so you can usually get it back). That's the main thing to watch for if you want full control.
The simplest way to stay in charge is to use OneDrive through the website at onedrive.com. You upload only what you choose, when you choose, and nothing gets deleted unless you do it yourself. If you prefer the desktop app, you can pause syncing at any time, and in the OneDrive settings under Sync and backup you can turn off automatic backup of your Desktop, Documents and Pictures folders.
To free up space on your computer, right-click a file or folder in your OneDrive folder and choose Free up space. The file stays safely in the cloud and is removed from your PC. That's much safer than just deleting it.
Yes, OneDrive can provide the simple cloud storage you describe, but choose the workflow carefully because its desktop folder is synchronized, not an independent archive. For maximum manual control, upload selected pictures and documents through OneDrive on the web using Add new > Files upload or Folder upload, and do not enable backup for Desktop, Documents, or Pictures. If you prefer File Explorer, enable Files On-Demand, place the files in the OneDrive folder, wait for sync to finish, then choose Free up space so they remain online-only and use no local storage. Do not delete an online-only file to remove its placeholder: deletion also removes the cloud copy and synchronizes to other devices. Deleted items can usually be restored from the OneDrive recycle bin, but retention is limited. For irreplaceable photos, keep a second independent backup because synchronization and recycle-bin recovery are not the same as permanent archival protection.
Thanks for the note. I have a couple of backups of things that are important to me in the house, but there are some things I'd like to have in the cloud. I think this will help me clean up the stuff I have stored if I have to manually upload things.