On latest version, the status column displays in explorer even though files on demand is turned off

Are you experiencing a peculiar issue where the status column continues to display in Explorer even though you have turned off files on demand? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many users have encountered this problem on the latest version of their operating system. In this article, we will delve into the details of this issue and provide you with some possible solutions.

Understanding the Status Column

Before we proceed, let's have a brief understanding of what the status column actually represents in Explorer. The status column is a feature that allows you to see the status of your files and folders in Windows Explorer. It provides information such as whether a file is available locally on your computer or if it is stored in the cloud and needs to be downloaded.

Files on Demand

Files on demand is a feature introduced by Microsoft in Windows 10 that allows you to access your files stored in the cloud without actually downloading them to your local machine. This feature is particularly useful if you have limited storage space on your computer or if you want to save bandwidth by not downloading all your files.

When files on demand is turned on, the status column in Explorer displays icons indicating whether a file is available locally or if it needs to be downloaded from the cloud. However, some users have reported that even after turning off files on demand, the status column continues to display in Explorer.

Possible Causes

There could be several reasons why the status column is still visible despite turning off files on demand. Let's explore some of the possible causes:

1. Outdated Windows Version: It is possible that you are using an outdated version of Windows that has a bug causing this issue. Make sure to install the latest updates and check if the problem persists.
2. Third-Party Software Conflict: Sometimes, third-party software can interfere with the functioning of Windows Explorer. Try disabling any recently installed software and check if the status column disappears.
3. Corrupted System Files: If your system files are corrupted, it can lead to various issues, including the status column problem. You can use the System File Checker tool to scan and repair any corrupted system files.

Possible Solutions

Now that we have identified some possible causes, let's discuss some solutions that may help resolve the issue:

1. Update Windows

Make sure your Windows operating system is up to date. Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs and improve the overall performance of the system. To update Windows, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu and open "Settings."
2. Select "Update & Security."
3. Click on "Windows Update" and then click on "Check for updates."
4. If any updates are available, click on "Download" and let the updates install.
5. Restart your computer to apply the updates.

2. Disable Third-Party Software

If you have recently installed any third-party software, it may be conflicting with Windows Explorer. Try disabling or uninstalling the software to see if it resolves the issue. To disable software, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu and open "Settings."
2. Select "Apps."
3. Scroll through the list of installed apps and select the app you want to disable.
4. Click on "Uninstall" or "Disable" depending on the option available.
5. Restart your computer and check if the status column disappears.

3. Use System File Checker

If the above solutions do not work, you can use the System File Checker tool to scan and repair any corrupted system files. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, right-click on the Start menu and select "Command Prompt (Admin)." If you are using Windows 10, you can also search for "Command Prompt" in the Start menu, right-click on it, and select "Run as administrator."
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
3. The System File Checker will now scan your system files and repair any corrupted files.
4. Once the scan is complete, restart your computer and check if the status column is no longer visible.

Conclusion

The status column displaying in Explorer even though files on demand is turned off can be a frustrating issue. However, by following the solutions mentioned in this article, you should be able to resolve the problem. If none of the solutions work, it is recommended to seek further assistance from Microsoft Support or a qualified technician.

Explore our tech support articles for more solutions to common Windows issues and enhance your computing experience.