Can’t open online-only file error when opening a file in OneDrive

OneDrive users may experience issues while opening a file in the ‘Available when online’ status. At such times, you may see an error message box – Can’t open online-only file, Make sure you’re connected to the Internet, then try again, We can download the file the next time you’re online. Try these troubleshooting steps if you see this error when opening a file in OneDrive.

Can’t open online-only file OneDrive error

The error message box offers you two options:

• Download Later.
• Cancel.

Selecting the first option i.e., ‘Download later’, lets you open the file without any problem but seeing this message every now and then becomes a major annoyance after some time. Also, the problem occurs even if you are connected to the Internet. To fix the problem follow the instructions given below.

1. Open the Windows Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the following key – \Configuration
3. Right-click & select New > DWORD value.
4. Name the value ApplyExplorerCompatFix.
5. Assign the entry with a value of 1.
6. Close Registry Editor.

Please note that serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Follow the steps in this section carefully. Back up the registry for restoration before you modify it.

Press Win+R in combination to open the Run dialog box.

Type Regedit in the empty field of the box and hit Enter.

When the Registry Editor opens, navigate to the following path address –

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\UEV\Agent\Configuration

Next, right-click the empty space on the right and select New > DWORD value.

Name the value ApplyExplorerCompatFix.

Double-click the entry to edit its value.

When the Edit String box appears, set its value to 1.

When done, close the Registry Editor and exit.

Restart your PC t allow the change to take effect.

The error should no longer appear when opening a file in OneDrive.

Read: What are these Brown Box Icons in left bottom corner of my files?

What does online only mean in OneDrive?

Online-only in OneDrie means a file is stored in the cloud and doesn’t occupy space on your device. You can view these files in File Explorer with a blue cloud icon. They remain online until you open them, at which point they’re downloaded temporarily to your device.

How do I make files available online only in OneDrive?

To make files available online-only in OneDrive, right-click the file and choose Free up space. With Storage Sense enabled, files become online-only after your specified time. Ensure that files you want offline permanently are marked as Always keep on this device, indicated by a green circle with a white check.