Windows 7 - Offline Files - Make Files or Folders Available Offline

   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 make a network file or folder to be Always available offline or not.

   Note

• Offline files is 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.

1. If you have not already, you will need to have the use of Offline files enabled before you can make a network file or folder to be Always available offline.

2. While connected to the network, browse to the network file or folder location that you want to make available offline.
NOTE: These will usually be located in your Network group in the Windows Explorer Navigation Pane, or the Network button in the Start Menu.

3. To Make the Network File or Folder Always Available Offline

A) Right click on the network folder or file (in a network folder), and click on Always available offline to check it. (see screenshot below)

B) Go to step 5.

4. To Make the Network File or Folder NOT Always Available Offline Anymore

A) Right click on the network folder or file (in a network folder), and click on Always available offline to uncheck it. (see screenshot below)

5. You will now see this for a brief moment while the network file or folder is being made or not made always available offline. (see screenshots below)

6. You will now notice that the network file or folder icon with have the Sync overlay icon on it if made always available offline, and no longer there if made not always available offline anymore. (see screenshot below)