/
Status Indicators for Synced Files and Folders

Status Indicators for Synced Files and Folders

Blue Cloud Icon (Online-Only)

c19fd7d8-0e42-4e88-9f72-9eddda39af80.png

The file or folder is stored in the cloud and is not downloaded to your device. This saves local storage space.

  • You can see the file in File Explorer or Finder.

  • To open it, you need an internet connection; it will download automatically when accessed.

Green Checkmark (Locally Available)

Green Tick.png

The file or folder is available on your device but is also synced to the cloud.

  • You’ve opened the file once, or it was downloaded.

  • You don’t need an internet connection to access it locally.

  • To free up space, right-click and select Free up space (Windows) or Remove Download (Mac).

Solid Green Circle with Checkmark (Always Available)

solid green.png

The file or folder is marked as "Always keep on this device."

  • The file is downloaded and permanently stored on your device.

  • It remains available offline and syncs automatically with the cloud.

  • How to Set: Right-click and select Always keep on this device.

Syncing Icon (Circular Arrows)

syncing icon.png

The file or folder is currently syncing between your device and the cloud.

  • If OneDrive shows the sync icon for a long time, it could be because you have an online file open, a very large file syncing, a lot of files stuck in a queue. To help resolve these problems, visit OneDrive is stuck on Processing changes.

Red Circle with White Cross (Error)

Red circle with white cross.png

The file or folder failed to sync due to an error.

  • Check for details by clicking the OneDrive icon in the system tray or menu bar.

  • Common causes: file size limits, unsupported characters, or insufficient permissions.

Gray Circle with Dash (Excluded)

Gray Circle with Dash.png

The file or folder is not syncing to OneDrive.

  • It may be manually excluded or unsupported.

  • Certain file types (e.g., temporary system files) are not synced.

Padlock Icon

Padlock.png

The file or folder is read-only.

  • You can view the file but cannot edit it directly unless permissions change.

Person Icon (Shared File)

People icon.png

The file or folder is shared with others.

  • The item is accessible to other users via SharePoint or OneDrive sharing.

  • It syncs changes for all collaborators.

Pause Icon

Pause.png

Syncing is paused.

  • You may have paused syncing manually or due to battery saver mode.

  • Resume syncing by clicking the OneDrive icon > Resume Syncing.