The offline files feature on Windows 11 allows us to store a necessary file offline. If you don’t have an internet connection in your home, also when your internet access is blocked due to ransomware, this offline feature will come in handy.
You can access this offline mode with the help of the Windows Sync Center and change this feature whenever possible. The main benefit of this offline feature is that the file will automatically synchronize after saving a file offline when you connect to the internet.
There are five Quick ways to enable or disable offline files, and in this article, I will demonstrate them easily to you.
So don’t skip any part of this article if you want to know.
Let’s start!
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What Are Windows 11 Offline Files?
Offline Files is a Windows Sync Center feature that allows users to download and keep essential files offline. Those files are available for modification when you are not connecting to the internet. But those files will automatically sync when you connect your PC to the internet.
Suppose there is a chance of not getting an internet connection during necessary times due to your slow net speed. You must turn on this offline feature because this feature will give you access to your online files, and you can edit them if required.
You can access online network files and folders through offline saved files. When you enable the offline sync mode, those files are stored in your local drive, and you can enter and edit them whenever you want. Also, those operations don’t require a network connection.
So if you want to know how to enable this splendid feature, track down the following heading.
How to Enable or Disable Offline Files on Windows 11
When your offline sync mode is enabled, you can easily access the files or folders by simply moving into your local drive. The modification option for those files is also available there.
Here are the steps to enable offline files on Windows 11/10:
1. Adjust Control Panel to Enable the Offline Files
With the help of the control panel, you can easily enable the offline files. Move to the control panel, look for the Sync Center option, and change it accordingly.
Here are the steps to modify the control panel to enable offline files:
- Move to the Search bar, type Control Panel and select it.
- Change the View by section to Large icons.
- Select the Sync Center option.
- Click on the Manage offline files link.
- Select the Enable offline files box to enable the offline mode.
- Hit the OK button.
Your offline files mode is now enabled on your Windows system. If you want to disable the offline files, just click on the Disable offline files option, and you are all set.
Read more on how to Password Protect a File or Folder in Windows 11
2. Modify Registry Editor to Enable the Offline Files on Windows 11
You can use the Registry Editor program to enable the offline sync mode. Creating a new program into the registry and changing its value will do the trick for you.
Here are the steps to modify the registry editor to enable the offline folders:
- Type the Win+R keys, type regedit, and hit the Enter button.
- Navigate to the
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CSC or
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CscService
- Move to the blank space and create a DWORD (32-bit) value.
- Double click on this new file, set the value to 1, and hit the OK button.
With the help of the registry editor, you successfully enable the offline files on your system.
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3. Change Local Group Settings to Enable the Offline Files
Local group settings can help us to enable the offline files or folders option. Open the Local group policy editor and enable the offline settings from there.
Here are the steps to change the local group settings to enable offline files:
- Open the Run program by pressing the Win+R keys.
- Type gpedit.msc and hit the Enter key.
- Navigate to the Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Offline Files.
- Double-click on the Allow or Disallow use of the Offline Files feature option.
- Select the Enabled option, click on the Apply button, and then the OK button.
- Restart your PC.
Local group settings are now changed, and the offline file mode is activated.
Check out our separate post on how to Speed Up Windows 11 Performance by Tweaking Settings
4. Setup Easy Access To Sync The Offline Files On Windows 10
On Windows 10, there is an easy access option to activate the offline mode easily on your system. Select the specific file, move your cursor to the Easy access option, and choose the Work offline option.
Here are the steps to set up the Easy access to activate offline mode:
- Select the file from File Explorer.
- Move your cursor to the Easy access option.
- Choose the Work offline option.
You are all set, and check whether this workaround works for you or not.
5. Use a Third-Party App to Enable Offline Files
Third-party apps are not ideal for Windows systems because those apps are full of bugs and glitches. Also, the security concerns for those apps are relatively significant.
But if you consider using a third-party app to enable your offline mode, there are plenty of options. AOMEI Backupper Standard is one of the apps that can help you enable your offline mode.
Open the app and move to the Sync section; from there, you can select the folder for which you want to enable the offline mode.
You may also like to read: Enable or Disable Startup Programs in Windows 11
FAQs
Where are offline files stored in Windows?
Windows offline files are stored in the C:\windows\CSC folder.
Can OneDrive work offline?
Onedrive is programmed in such a way that it will work when you are connected to a network. But if you turn on the File On Demand option, you can also use the specific file offline.
Where should I save my files in Windows 11?
You can save your essential file wherever you want, but keeping your necessary files on the Local disk > User > Documents folder is safe.
Bottom Line
Enabling the offline file mode in your Windows 11 system will give you access to your online file during your offline period. Undoubtedly, this offline feature is impressive for users with no strong network connection.
Some control panel modifications and a new value in the registry editor can do the tricks for you, so you must try those. In this article, I have mentioned 5 super easy ways to enable your offline files; therefore, follow the instructions accordingly.
Do you have any queries related to this article? Let us know in the comment.
