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This guide details the Lite Sync option of the kDrive app on Windows computers.
What is the Lite Sync option?
The Lite Sync feature saves space by virtually storing your kDrive files on your computer, only downloading them when needed.
Files are always accessible from the web version of kDrive (Infomaniak server) and locally, they are present but "dehydrated," requiring a loading time to be fully accessible. This allows you to view, edit, and synchronize kDrive content without filling up the hard drive.
Example of use #1 (required storage space)
If you enable Lite Sync, the occupied space (e.g., 900 GB) on the Infomaniak server side will be freed up on your hard drive, but the reverse is also true (e.g., 900 GB free space required on your hard drive if Lite Sync is activated mid-process).
"Dehydration" of files
As explained earlier, a dehydrated file is a kDrive file whose full version is not present on the hard drive; instead, a 1 KB "shortcut" is displayed, which is normal behavior when Lite Sync is activated.
In some cases (e.g., if you copy files from your hard drive while Lite Sync is activated and then start a synchronization to a new kDrive), the application will block the import of this type of file. To resolve these errors, you can download the complete file from the online version kdrive.infomaniak.com.
Prerequisites & scope of Lite Sync usage
- Windows OS version ≥ 10 (21h2) — not available with Linux
- 64-bit processor (ARM64 compatible)
- NTFS file storage system
- kDrive Windows app version ≥ 3.4
The Lite Sync option always acts:
- on a specific kDrive (in case you synchronize multiple kDrives on the application)
- and on the entirety of the kDrive (or the entirety of an advanced synchronization)
- and through a specific kDrive application (another user of the same kDrive may make a different Lite Sync choice)
Enable the Lite Sync option
The Lite Sync option can be enabled during the application installation (you will be prompted) or later:
- left-click on the app icon in the notification area of your computer (bottom right on Windows)
- click on the action menu â‹® to the right of the kDrive window
- select kDrive Settings
- click the button in the Synchronization section to enable Lite Sync
The cloud icon will appear to the right of a sync name in the application, indicating that Lite Sync is enabled. If the crossed-out cloud icon
is displayed, it means that Lite Sync is not enabled:
Always keep on this device
Once Lite Sync is enabled, you can still make a folder and its subfolders or only one or more subfolders available locally.
- from the Windows File Explorer, right-click on a folder synchronized with kDrive
- select the option Always keep on this device under kDrive
Free up space
Conversely, once Lite Sync is enabled, you can free up space in a folder and its subfolders or only in one or more subfolders.
- from the Windows File Explorer, right-click on a folder synchronized with kDrive
- select the option Free up space under kDrive
The Free up space action will free up storage space on your computer. The files will remain visible but will no longer be accessible without an internet connection.
Example of use #2 (summary of icons)
Files from the hard drive synchronized with the Lite Sync option, everything is in the cloud (on your remote kDrive online):
Disabling the LiteSync option, the "physical" synchronization begins:
Sync completed, files have been downloaded to your computer and now have the appropriate icon:
To summarize, here are the status icons used in your Windows File Explorer:
Status Icons | Files | Folders |
---|---|---|
The file exists on kDrive online and is only virtually on your hard drive; to view it locally, it must be downloaded | The folder contains at least one file or subfolder not physically present | |
Lite Sync is not working correctly (contact support) | Lite Sync is not working correctly (contact support) | |
The file exists on kDrive online and is also physically on your hard drive | The folder contains only files and subfolders without Lite Sync | |
The file exists on kDrive online and is only virtually on your hard drive for reasons decided by Windows (e.g., lack of space) | The folder contains local and temporary files and subfolders | |
Synchronization is in progress or pending | Synchronization is in progress or pending | |
The progress bar indicates a download in progress | The progress bar indicates a download in progress |
Disable the Lite Sync option
To do this:
- left-click on the app icon in the notification area of your computer (bottom right on Windows)
- click on the action menu â‹® to the right of the kDrive window
- select kDrive Settings
- click the button in the Synchronization section to disable Lite Sync
- two scenarios may occur:
- if there is enough space on your computer, a message confirming the deactivation will appear, just click Continue
- if there is not enough space on your computer, a message will indicate the missing space to allow Lite Sync deactivation; the synchronization of your kDrive will be paused while selecting the files to synchronize on your computer
This guide details the Lite Sync option of the kDrive app on macOS computers.
What is the Lite Sync option?
The Lite Sync feature saves space by virtually storing your kDrive files on your computer, downloading them only when necessary.
The files are always accessible from the Web version of kDrive (Infomaniak server) and locally, they are present but "dehydrated", requiring loading time to be fully accessible. This allows you to view, edit, and synchronize kDrive content without saturating the hard drive.
Example of use #1 (required storage space)
If you activate Lite Sync, the occupied space (e.g., 900 GB) on the Infomaniak server side will be freed up on your hard drive, but the reverse is also true (e.g., 900 GB free space required on your hard drive if Lite Sync option is activated along the way).
"Dehydration" of files
As explained earlier, a dehydrated file is a kDrive file whose full version is not present on the hard drive, and instead, a "shortcut" of 1 KB is displayed, which is normal behavior when Lite Sync is activated.
In some cases (e.g., if you copy files from your hard drive while Lite Sync is activated, and then re-synchronize to a new kDrive), the application will block the import of this type of file. To resolve these errors, you can download the complete file from the online version kdrive.infomaniak.com.
Prerequisites & scope of Lite Sync usage
- macOS version ≥ 10.15 — not available with Linux
- kDrive app macOS version ≥ 3.2
The Lite Sync option always works:
- on a specific kDrive (in case you synchronize multiple ones on the application)
- and on the entire kDrive (or the entire advanced synchronization)
- and through a specific kDrive application (another user of the same kDrive can make a different Lite Sync choice than yours)
Activate the Lite Sync option
The Lite Sync option can be activated during the installation of the application (this is offered to you) or later:
- left-click on the app icon in the notification area of your computer (bottom right on macOS)
- click on the action menu â‹® to the right of the kDrive window
- select kDrive Settings
- click on the button in the Synchronization section to enable Lite Sync
The cloud icon will appear to the right of the name of a sync in the application, indicating that Lite Sync is enabled. If the crossed-out cloud icon
appears, it means that Lite Sync is not enabled:
Always keep on this device
Once Lite Sync is activated, you can still make a folder and its subfolders or only one or more subfolders available locally.
- from the macOS Finder, navigate to a folder synchronized with kDrive and right-click
- select the option Always keep locally available under kDrive
Free up local space
Conversely, once Lite Sync is activated, you can free up space in a folder and its subfolders or only in one or more subfolders.
- from the macOS Finder, navigate to a folder synchronized with kDrive and right-click
- select the option free up local space under kDrive
The Free up space action will free up storage space on your computer. The files will remain visible but will not be accessible without an internet connection.
Summary of icons
To summarize, here are the status icons used in your Windows Explorer:
Status Icons | Files | Folders |
---|---|---|
the file is only on kDrive "in the cloud", to view it locally, you will need to download it | the folder contains at least one file or subfolder present on kDrive online | |
the file is always available locally and synchronized with the online version | the folder contains only locally synchronized files or subfolders with their online version | |
kDrive encounters a synchronization conflict with the file | kDrive encounters a synchronization conflict with the folder | |
an error occurred during the file transfer and it was interrupted | an error occurred during the folder transfer and it was interrupted | |
the progress circle indicates a download in progress | the progress circle indicates a download in progress |
Disable the Lite Sync option
To do this:
- left-click on the app icon in the notification area of your computer (top right on macOS)
- click on the action menu â‹® to the right of the kDrive window
- select kDrive Settings
- click on the button in the Synchronization section to disable Lite Sync
- two scenarios may occur:
- if there is enough space on your computer, a message confirming the deactivation will appear, simply click Continue
- if there is not enough space on your computer, a message will indicate the missing space to allow Lite Sync deactivation; the synchronization of your kDrive will be paused until you select the files to synchronize on your computer
This guide explains how to fix an "Unable to start Lite Sync plugin" error with the kDrive application on macOS.
The Lite Sync extension does not have the necessary permissions.
Check the presence of the extension
From a Terminal:
% systemextensionsctl list
The result looks like:
1 extension(s)
--- com.apple.system_extension.endpoint_security
enabled active teamID bundleID (version) name [state]
* * 864VDCS2QY com.infomaniak.drive.desktopclient.LiteSyncExt (3.5.0/1) kDrive LiteSync Extension [activated enabled]
If the command output does not mention "kDrive LiteSync Extension", the extension is not present:
- remove sync and add it again
If the result of the command does not have the status [activated enabled] :
- allow the extension in System Settings / Privacy and Security
Check extension permissions
In System Settings / Privacy and Security / Full Disk Access :
Check the operation of the extension
From a Terminal:
% ps -ef | grep LiteSyncExt
The result looks like:
0 7434 1 0 1:02 ?? 0:25.42/Library/SystemExtensions/6035BDE4-B7D6-477E-A6AB-C2281E3C7752/com.infomaniak.drive.desktopclient.LiteSyncExt.systemextension/Contents/MacOS/com.infomaniak.drive.desktopclient.LiteSyncExt
If the extension does not seem to be working, try the following actions:
- restart the app
- reboot the Mac
- remove / add sync
- uninstall / reinstall the app
If it's still not OK:
- request logs (Debug level)
- see in the Console if there is a blocking report on the date of the last start of the app and if so, send it to us
Retrieve kDrive messages in the Console:
- quit the app
- in the Console, select the Mac, filter on “[KD]”, click on “Start”
- launch the app
- click in the list of messages, select them (Ctrl+A), copy them (Ctrl+C) and send them to us
This guide contains essential resources to get started with your Infomaniak Cloud VPS or VPS Lite.
If you encounter any issues, please consult the knowledge base. Only contact Infomaniak support for questions related to the hardware aspects of the VPS.
Preamble
- Support for UEFI and Secure Boot is not provided in the Cloud VPS / VPS Lite offer
- It is not possible to migrate a vmdk file to work on OpenStack because KVM is used for virtualization
- Regarding port opening, refer to this guide
Which VPS version to choose?
- Configurations (vCPU / RAM / disk space) differ according to the VPS offers, starting at 1 vCPU with very competitive prices - choose according to your needs; upgrading from VPS Lite to Cloud VPS is not yet possible automatically, and reducing a subscribed offer is not possible
- The same Linux distributions & Windows versions are offered (Windows is not available on the smallest configurations)
- On VPS Lite, bandwidth is limited to 500 Mbit/s and the guaranteed SLA + snapshots are not available
Cloud VPS / VPS Lite Linux
- How to connect to your server via SSH key?
- Which Linux distributions are supported?
- Format and mount the data volume of the Cloud Server (important)
Cloud VPS / VPS Lite Windows
This guide explains how to modify the configuration of a Cloud VPS / VPS Lite.
Modify storage size on Cloud VPS / VPS Lite
To access the Cloud VPS / VPS Lite:
- Log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) from a web browser like Brave or Edge
- Click on the icon at the top right of the interface (or navigate through the left side menu, for example)
- Choose VPS (universe Cloud Computing)
- Click on the action menu â‹® to the right of the object concerned in the displayed table
- Click on Modify offer
- Make the desired adjustments and complete the procedure at the bottom
- Expand the volume after increasing the storage volume
This guide explains how to allow certain incoming and/or outgoing ports in the firewall of a Cloud VPS / VPS Lite server.
Accessing the management tool
To manage the Cloud VPS / VPS Lite firewall:
- Log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) from a web browser like Brave or Edge
- Click on the icon at the top right of the interface (or navigate through the left side menu, for example)
- Choose VPS (universe Cloud Computing)
- Click on the name of the relevant object in the displayed table
- Click on Firewall in the left side menu
Rule to allow ping on Cloud VPS / VPS Lite
To add a rule to the firewall:
- Click on the blue button to Add a rule
- Click on Manual Selection
- Select ICMP
- Confirm at the bottom of the page
Thank you for choosing kDrive, the independent and privacy-respecting solution for collaborating, sharing, and accessing your data from all your devices. Your data is encrypted, continuously backed up, and exclusively hosted in Switzerland.
Collaborative storage on a 100% Swiss Made cloud
- Discover kDrive in video (the interface has evolved since)
Getting Started
- Sync kDrive between different devices
- Manage kDrive Lite Sync option (macOS)
- Manage kDrive Lite Sync option (Windows)
- Install kDrive on Linux
- kDrive Folders (personal, shared, public)
- Choose kDrive folders to sync
- Edit a file on kDrive (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- kDrive subscription via Apple iOS
- Manage kDrive storage space
- Search for data on kDrive
Sharing your data
- Manage kDrive drop boxes
- Customize kDrive shares and drop boxes
- Share data from kDrive (web interface)
- Share data via email from kDrive (web interface)
Filling your kDrive
- Import external data to kDrive
- Import data to kDrive (iOS)
- Import data to kDrive without kDrive app
- Import data to kDrive via WebDAV
- Import photos to kDrive (iOS / Android)
- Transfer data from an external cloud to kDrive
- Connect to kDrive via WebDAV
- Access kDrive files locally and online
- Scan documents with kDrive (iOS / Android)
With Others
- Manage kDrive user rights
- Manage kDrive users
- Manage multiple kDrive accounts (iOS / Android)
- Manage multiple kDrive accounts (macOS / Windows)
- Copy certain data between kDrive accounts you have access to
Going Further with kDrive
- Manage kDrive categories for organizing data
- Sync Joplin notes via WebDAV with kDrive
- Sync Qnap with kDrive
- Sync Synology with kDrive
- Record a kMeet meeting on kDrive
- Export email attachments from Mail
- Export an email to kDrive
- Add an attachment to an event in Calendar
For Advanced Users
In Case of Problems
- Resolve a kDrive blockage (antivirus, firewall, etc.)
- Resolve a kDrive sync conflict
- Resolve a kDrive synchronization issue
- Resolve a kDrive issue on Android device (don't kill my app)
- Resolve a Lite Sync plugin error on macOS
- Clear browser cache
- kDrive application version (macOS / Windows / Linux)
- Restore a kDrive file to its previous version
- Restore a deleted kDrive file
- Force kDrive to sync hidden and excluded files
- Allow access to your products / Complete a help request
- View kDrive debug information
Learn More About kDrive
Any questions or feedback?
- Contact Infomaniak support
- click here to share your feedback or suggestions on an Infomaniak product
The Infomaniak infrastructure does not pass virtualization instructions to Cloud VPS / VPS Lite; thus, nested virtualization is not possible (virtualization running inside an already virtualized environment) because it poses issues, especially during live migrations.
This guide explains how to synchronize files stored in kDrive to easily access them on all your devices. kDrive is compatible with macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Download kDrive
To do this:
- Open the kDrive download page to download kDrive*
- Install the downloaded application
- During installation, pay attention to the permissions that may be requested by the wizard (especially on macOS) and which must be granted for the proper functioning of the application:
- At the end of the installation, the application should open (otherwise, manually open the kDrive application from the device)
- A form will ask you to log in to your Infomaniak account (need help?):
- Then choose the kDrive to synchronize (if your account allows access to multiple kDrives):
- Activate or not the Lite Sync option (feature of the Windows and macOS app that saves space by virtually storing your kDrive files on your computer, downloading them only when needed):
- A kDrive folder is created on your hard drive at the specified location (location that can be changed by clicking on the pencil icon) and will contain any existing files on your kDrive (some folders may be ignored - read more below) and will send to the kDrive server any files you place there in the future:
*Your operating system will be automatically detected to offer you the correct version to download, but you can refer to this additional guide if you are using Linux
Synchronize Files with kDrive
Once the application is installed and the connection to your account is established, you have the kDrive application on your device:
- On a computer, the app icon appears in the notification area of your computer (top right on macOS, bottom right on Windows, and a double left click in the taskbar on Linux), and a kDrive folder is automatically created in your personal documents
- Any modifications made to your files and folders are automatically synchronized with your Infomaniak Drive, and you have the option to customize the folders of your Drive that need to be synchronized on your computer
- On a smartphone, the kDrive application allows you to access all the content of your Drive on the go; the application also allows you to automatically back up photos from your mobile
Minimum System Requirements
System | With Lite Sync | Without Lite Sync | ARM |
Linux* | No Lite Sync | Ubuntu 20.04 | OK |
macOS | macOS 10.15 | macOS 10.15 | OK |
Windows | Windows 10 1709 | Windows 10 | n/a |
* No contextual menu on right-click on the OS
Learn More
- Automatically Upload Photos from Your Phone to kDrive
- Manage Multiple Drives from a Smartphone
- Synchronize Multiple Drives on a Computer
- Getting Started Guide: kDrive
This guide explains how to access kDrive files locally on your hard drive, as well as online files from the kDrive version on a web browser.
Prerequisites
- install the kDrive application on your computer
View kDrive Files
When the kDrive application is installed and launched:
- left-click on the app's icon in the notification area of your computer (top right on macOS, bottom right on Windows, and double left-click in the taskbar on Linux)
- click on the â‹® action menu in the top right corner
- click on Open kDrive Web to access files stored on the kDrive server
- click on the item above to open the disk folder on your computer containing your kDrive files, physically present or virtually present (depending on whether Lite Sync is activated)