Difference between storage displayed in Virtual drive Z: and in the WorkDrive TrueSync system tray

Difference between storage displayed in Virtual drive Z: and in the WorkDrive TrueSync system tray

This article will help you understand how storage works in WorkDrive TrueSync and how you can manage it effectively.



Where is my WorkDrive data stored?

When you install and use WorkDrive desktop application TrueSync, your files are not physically downloaded to your computer by default. Instead, they’re virtually represented through a mounted drive (Z:) on Windows OS and via File Provider on macOS. This means your files remain in the cloud and are only downloaded when you open them or mark them as available offline.

Info
Important:
  1. Files are cached on your system only when you open or use them.

  2. This cache is stored in your system’s default drive—typically the C: drive—unless changed manually.

  3. TrueSync creates a virtual drive (Z:) to represent your WorkDrive files. Think of this as a shortcut to your cloud storage, not a separate physical drive.

  4. Recently accessed file data is temporarily stored in the cache and will be automatically cleared over time. Only offline files are stored permanently.
    Note: To make a file or folder available offline, simply right-click the file or folder and choose Available Offline.

  5. Any files that haven’t been uploaded yet will be temporarily stored in the cache drive. Once the upload is complete, and if those files are not accessed for a while, they will be automatically removed from the cache to save space.

  6. If a folder is larger than the remaining space in the cache drive, the upload will not proceed. Make sure there is sufficient free space in the cache before trying to upload large folders.

Notes
Notes:
  1. The Z: drive and the cache folder in the C: drive are part of the same system. The data you access from Z: is temporarily stored (cached) in C: by default.

  2. It is not recommended to manually clear the cache. If there are any files in the cache that haven’t been synced yet, doing so may result in data loss.

Frequently asked questions

1. Storage displayed in Virtual drive Z: and in the WorkDrive TrueSync system tray.

Storage displayed in Virtual Drive Z:
  1. This is your system storage space to store WorkDrive TrueSync Cache data.

  2. The data you access from Z: is temporarily stored (cached) in C: by default.
    Default cache path: C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Local\ZohoWorkDriveTS

  3. You can change to another fixed drive (e.g., D: or E:)  if you’re concerned about C: drive space and to avoid bloating the C: drive.
Storage displayed in System tray / Menu bar:
  1. This is your actual WorkDrive storage available in the cloud.

  2. To access these details: Click on the WorkDrive TrueSync system tray icon. A small screen will appear with your WorkDrive storage details.

2. Can I store cache data on a network or external drive?

No, cache data can only be stored on fixed internal drives such as C: or D:. Storing cache on network locations or external drives is not supported.

3. Why does my C: drive look full?

Cache data:
Although your files are stored in the cloud, cached files from Z: drive activity can accumulate in the default cache location—C: drive. This is normal behavior and necessary for fast access.
However, if you’re working with large files regularly, the cache can take up significant space over time, which may cause your C: drive to appear full.

Note: Recently accessed file data is temporarily stored in the cache and will be automatically cleared over time. Only offline files are stored permanently.

Offline data:
Another reason would be the files which you marked as Available Offline will consume the actual file storage in C: drive.

4. Can I change where cache is stored?

Yes, on Windows, you can move the cache folder to a different fixed drive (like D: or E:) to free up space on your C: drive.

Default cache path: C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Local\ZohoWorkDriveTS

Note: Currently, changing the cache location is not supported on macOS.

To change the cache location on Windows device:
  1. Click the TrueSync icon in the system tray.
  2. Go to Settings > Preferences.
  3. In the Preferences window, switch to the Account tab.
  4. Choose a new location on a fixed drive for the cache folder.
  5. Restart TrueSync to apply the changes.

5. How can I view my WorkDrive available cloud storage in TrueSync?

Your actual WorkDrive account quota (cloud storage used and available) is shown right within the system tray icon.
Click on the TrueSync icon in the system tray or menu bar to view your WorkDrive account quota (cloud storage used and available).
Important: This reflects your cloud storage—not the space used on your local drive (Cache storage).

Note: Moving the cache to a drive with more free space can help avoid performance issues and storage alerts on your C: drive.


Quick Tips for Optimizing Storage in WorkDrive TrueSync

  1. Open only the files you need: Avoid accessing unnecessary files to reduce cache buildup and save valuable storage space.

  2. Set large or rarely used folders to online-only: Free up local storage by keeping less frequently used folders in the cloud.

  3. Move the cache folder to a larger internal drive (Windows only): If you’re running low on space, consider relocating the cache folder to a drive with more available storage, such as D:.

  4. Review offline files regularly: Periodically check your offline file list and remove files you no longer need offline to reclaim space.

  5. Optimize local storage with selective sync: Use selective sync to reduce local storage usage by syncing only the folders you need—such as My Folders, Team Folders, or Shared Folder.
    Note: Currently, selective sync is only available at the library (parent folder) level. Syncing individual sub-folders is not supported at this time.

Still have questions?
Please feel free to contact our WorkDrive support team for any queries.
WorkDrive support info:
  1. EU region: support@eu.zohoworkdrive.com
  2. All other regions: support@zohoworkdrive.com

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