Windows 7 - Offline Files - Enable or Disable the Use Of

**Brink**

Enable or Disable the Use Of Offline Files in Windows 7

Information

If you work with files on a network, you can make the files available offline so you can access them even when your computer is not connected to the network. This is especially useful if you use a laptop to connect to a workplace network.

When you make a network file, or all files in a network folder, available offline, Windows creates a copy of the file or folder on your computer. This is called an offline file. The next time you disconnect from the network, you'll still be able to open, modify, and save the file the same way you would if you were still connected. And when you do connect to the network again, Windows will automatically sync the offline file on your computer with the corresponding file on the network to update it.

This will show you how to enable or disable the use of offline files for all users on the computer in Windows 7.

Note

Offline files is only available and enabled by default in the Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions. Offline files is not available in the Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium editions.

Here's How:

1. Open the Control Panel (All Items view), and click on the Sync Center icon.

2. In the left pane, click on the Manage offline files link. (see screenshot below)

3. To Enable the Use of Offline Files
A) Click on the Enable offline files button. (see screenshot below)

B) If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

C) Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

D) Go to step 5.

4. To Disable the Use of Offline Files
A) Click on the Disable offline files button. (see screenshot below)

B) If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

C) Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

5. Click on Yes to restart the computer. (see screenshot below)
WARNING: This will restart the computer immediately. Be sure to save anything that you have open first.

6. If you enabled Offline Files, then all you need to do now is to make the network files or network folders you want always available offline.

That's it,
Shawn

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**busaboy** · 02-26-2010

does this work in home edition or is the function disabled ??

**Brink** · 02-26-2010

Hello Busaboy, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Offline Files is not a included feature in Windows 7 Home Premium edition, so it will not even be an available option for you. It's only available in the Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions.

**busaboy** · 02-27-2010

OK Brink

Looks like an upgrade then

Thanks for your reply

Andy

**Brink** · 02-27-2010

You're welcome Andy. Sorry you will have to upgrade.

**busaboy** · 03-01-2010

Quote: Originally Posted by Brink

You're welcome Andy. Sorry you will have to upgrade.

All upgraded and working proprly now

Thanks a lot

**Brink** · 03-01-2010

That's great news Andy. I'm happy to hear that you got it sorted.

**Magikill** · 03-09-2011

Thank you so much for this Brink. I have been through every blooming tutorial I could find to get rid of my unwanted sync files, then I came across this post,

Thank you so much .

**Brink** · 03-09-2011

You're most welcome Mick, and welcome to Seven Forums.

**Magikill** · 03-09-2011

Thank you Brink

Windows 7 - Offline Files - Enable or Disable the Use Of

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