Read time: 6 minutes
“Couldn’t Start Files On Demand. Please restart your computer and try again. Error codes: 0x801f000f”
Is the same error popping up on your screen? It indicates OneDrive failed to launch Files On-Demand due to conflicting antivirus software or putting the system in sleep mode. So, what needs to be done now? Seems like a complex OneDrive issue. But we are here to help you out and resolve this complexity with simple tips and tricks.
How Does The OneDrive Files On Demand Icon Look?
Microsoft OneDrive Files On-Demand categorizes availability states in three categories, i.e., Online-Only, Locally Available, and Always Available Files. Each state has a unique icon and primarily differentiates on the basis of the storage space taken by them and whether an internet connection is needed or not.
Differences Between Online-Only, Locally Available, and Always Available Files:
| Basis | Online-Only | Locally Available | Always Available (Always Keep on This Device) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning | The file is available on the cloud storage but has not been downloaded to your computer. | You created, opened, or edited the file, urging OneDrive to download a temporary copy on your device. | You have manually assigned the file or folder to be stored on your device permanently. |
| Icon | Blue cloud | White circle with green checkmark. | Green circle with white checkmark. |
| Storage Impact | 0 bytes on the local hard drive. | Takes up temporary local/disk space. | Takes up permanent local/disk space. |
| Access | Can be opened and viewed with an active internet connection. | You can access and edit files offline, but when your device runs on low storage, OneDrive reverts these files to Online-Only. | These files are fully accessible offline and OneDrive will not delete local files to free up space. |
OneDrive Files On Demand Not Working? Missing Settings Could be the Reason
Microsoft OneDrive might stop working because of missing settings, outdated sync apps, or other reasons. Here are the common causes of this issue:
- Corrupted OneDrive cache: OneDrive may fail to track online-only or local status correctly due to internal corruption in the OneDrive application.
- Conflicting antivirus: OneDrive synchronization might be interrupted or blocked because of legacy filters used by third-party antivirus programs.
- Outdated app: Old OneDrive builds from 2018 or earlier don’t have Files On-Demand feature creating problem in connecting with OneDrive.
- Group policy/Admin block: One reason behind facing issues with OneDrive Files On Demand is that IT admins must have disabled this feature via Group Policy.
- System incompatibility: Users must have the latest version of their operating system to set OneDrive to On-Demand in Windows or Mac.
- Disabled OneDrive Files on demand: When it happens, OneDrive Files On Demand downloads all files locally and your C: drive fills up fast.
Fix Missing OneDrive Files On Demand Settings
If you think you can fix OneDrive Files On Demand not working with the on/off switch, then you are wrong. Microsoft removed the global on/off toggle for Files On Demand in both Windows and MacOS. Here is how you can fix missing settings in OneDrive and manage your storage:
Fix 1: Enable OneDrive Files On Demand Via Windows Storage Store (Windows 11)
- Open Settings, then click System >Storage.
- Now, click on Storage Sense.
- Look under Locally available cloud content, turn the switch On.
- Set the timeframe as per your requirements to automatically free up space.
Fix 2: Manage Legacy Settings Via OneDrive App
-
- In your taskbar or menu bar, click on the OneDrive cloud icon.
- Click on the Gear icon, then click Settings.
- Now, in Windows, go to the Sync and backup
- Click on Advanced Settings and look for Files On-Demand.
Note: For macOS or older Windows versions, look for Settings > Preferences.
- Lastly, select Save space and download files as you use them
Fix 3: Missing Settings Due to Group Policies
IT admins can disable OneDrive Files On Demand with GPO or say Group Policy. Make sure you are using your official OneDrive business account, and contact your organization’s IT department about the issue.
Migrate Your Data Before It’s Too Late
Missing settings can make your OneDrive account inaccessible, disrupting your workflow. In this case, you need to transfer your data to another account using Kernel OneDrive to OneDrive Migration Tool to easily access your data. Transfers all your data, such as files, images, videos, etc.
Error Codes Related to OneDrive Files On-Demand
Here are some errors that users usually face due to OneDrive Files On Demand settings:
- 0x801f000f: It is caused by outdated Windows versions or conflicts with antivirus software, stopping OneDrive from initializing Files On-Demand filter drivers.
- 0xffffffea: Users usually see this error when Windows update disrupts Control Filter service or in visualized environments.
- 0x80070005: When there are permission-related issues, it blocks or restricts access, blocks OneDrive Files On Demand GPO (Group Policies), etc.
- 0x80004005: It occurs due to file corruption or invalid character names in your synced folders.
- Error -43 (Mac): This is a macOS Finder error, usually failing to show or access a file’s data block from the cloud.
Important Note: Errors can be painful if not fixed on time. So, it is always recommended to take a timely OneDrive Backup to avoid data loss.
Summing Up
Files On-Demand is a useful feature with multiple benefits, but when OneDrive Files On Demand is not working, your entire OneDrive library suddenly wants to download locally. If you work through the fixes provided above, missing settings should reappear and OneDrive will go back to showing cloud icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
OneDrive Files On-Demand allows you to access all your cloud storage through your system’s File Explorer without downloading files offline unless you open or interact with them.
Files On Demand allows you to access them via File Explorer without downloading them.
You need to enable the OneDrive Files On Demand feature in your settings.
In macOS 12.1 and later versions, OneDrive Files On-Demand is built directly into the OS and is enabled by default.
To enable OneDrive Files On Demand in Windows 10, download the “OneDrive application” on your system and click on the “Gear icon”, then go to “Settings” and select “Save space and download files as you use them”.
