How to Configure OneDrive Files On-Demand Sync: Mastering Configuration for Intune Administrators
In this guide, we’ll cover the step-by-step process of configuring OneDrive Files On-Demand Sync through Microsoft Intune using the Settings Catalog. Whether you’re an IT admin or someone managing devices across an organization, enabling Files On-Demand will help users manage their files efficiently while saving local storage space. Why Use OneDrive Files On-Demand Sync? OneDrive Files On-Demand is a powerful feature that allows users to access all their files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint Online without downloading them fully to their device. This feature helps save disk space, providing users with the flexibility to mark files as “online-only” or download them for offline access as needed. Key Benefits: Saves Storage: Files appear without consuming local disk space. On-Demand Access: Files are downloaded only when accessed, minimizing storage usage. Seamless Integration: Files can be managed in File Explorer as if they are stored locally. Prerequisites Before we start, make sure you meet the following prerequisites: Microsoft Intune Subscription: An active Intune license is required. OneDrive Sync Client: The OneDrive Sync Client must be installed on user devices. Windows 10 (1709) or Later: Files On-Demand is available starting with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (1709). Step 1: Log in to Microsoft Intune Admin Center Go to the Microsoft Intune Admin Center. Log in with the appropriate admin credentials. Step 2: Create a New Configuration Profile Navigate to Devices > Configuration profiles. Click + Create profile. Choose Windows 10 and later as the platform. Under Profile type, select Settings catalog. Click Create to proceed. (Refer to Image 1 for visual aid.) (1. Image 1: Creating a New Configuration Profile in Intune – This image should display the step of selecting “Create profile” in Intune’s admin center with Windows 10 and Settings Catalog.) Step 3: Name and Describe the Profile Provide a name for the profile, such as “Enable OneDrive Files On-Demand”. Optionally, add a description to clarify its purpose. (Refer to Image 2 for visual aid.) (2. Image 2: Naming and Describing the Profile – Show the screen where you name the profile (e.g., “Enable OneDrive Files On-Demand”) and provide a description.) Step 4: Add OneDrive Files On-Demand Setting In the Configuration settings section, click Add settings. Use the Settings picker to search for “OneDrive”. Find and select Enable OneDrive Files On-Demand under OneDrive settings. Check the box to add this option to your configuration. This setting will enable Files On-Demand on all assigned devices, allowing users to access their OneDrive files without consuming local storage. (Refer to Image 3 for visual aid.) (3. Image 3: Adding OneDrive Files On-Demand Setting – Visual of the Settings picker where “Enable OneDrive Files On-Demand” is selected under OneDrive settings.) Step 5: Configure Additional OneDrive Options (Optional) You can also configure other OneDrive-related settings in Intune. Some useful settings include: Silently sign in users to OneDrive with Windows credentials: Automatically sign users into OneDrive using their Windows credentials without additional login steps. (Refer to Image 4 for visual aid.) (4. Image 4: Configuring Additional OneDrive Settings – Display the optional settings like “Silently sign in users to OneDrive with Windows credentials.”) Step 6: Assign the Profile to Devices or Users Once your profile is ready, assign it to specific groups or users: In the Assignments section, click Add groups. Select the groups or users (e.g., All users) that should receive the policy. Click Next, then Create to finalize the profile. (Refer to Image 5 and 6 for visual aid.) (5. Image 5: Assigning the Profile to Users or Devices – An image showing the Assignments section where you select target groups or users.) (6. Image 6: Create Profile) Step 7: Verify OneDrive Files On-Demand Sync To verify that Files On-Demand is working, follow these steps on a device where the policy has been applied: Open File Explorer. Navigate to the OneDrive folder in the left pane. (Refer to Image 7 and 8 for visual aid.) (Image-7. Before Policy Applied) (Image-8. After Policy Applied) Troubleshooting OneDrive Files On-Demand Sync Issues If you encounter issues with OneDrive Files On-Demand, try these troubleshooting steps: OneDrive Sync Client Not Installed: Ensure the sync client is installed and running. Windows Version: Verify that the device is running Windows 10 version 1709 or later. Network Issues: Check for network connectivity problems preventing sync. Disk Space: Make sure there is enough available space for downloaded files. Conclusion Configuring OneDrive Files On-Demand in Microsoft Intune using the Settings Catalog is a powerful way to improve file management for your users while saving storage space. This step-by-step guide helps ensure a smooth deployment process, enabling users to access their files without using up valuable local disk space. By following these steps, you can start benefiting from the full potential of OneDrive Files On-Demand in your organization. Reference Reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/sync-files-with-onedrive-files-on-demand-62e8d748-7877-420f-b600-24b56562aa70 Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/use-silent-account-configuration#enable-silent-configuration Suggested Articles To further enhance your understanding and skills in Microsoft Intune and file management, consider checking out these articles: Easily Copy Group Memberships Between Users in Microsoft 365 Using PowerShell –Streamline user management by learning how to efficiently copy group memberships with PowerShell. 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