Offline Files is a legacy Windows feature that keeps locally cached copies of network files. If it is enabled on a Windows 10 PC and you no longer need it, open Control Panel > Sync Center > Manage offline files, select Disable offline files, and restart the computer when prompted.
Turn Offline Files off
- Open Control Panel.
- Open Sync Center.
- Select Manage offline files.
- On the General tab, choose Disable offline files.
- Restart the PC to complete the change.
Check before disabling it
If this is a work computer, Offline Files may be configured by your organization to provide access to network shares away from the office. Confirm with the administrator before changing the setting. Files that exist only in an unsynchronized local cache can also require attention before the feature is disabled.
Windows 10 context
Windows 10 Home and Pro reached the end of normal support on October 14, 2025. Offline Files is also an older enterprise-oriented workflow; organizations planning a migration should evaluate whether their current file-sync platform is a better long-term solution.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
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