---
id: cloud-accounts.do-i-need-a-cloud-account-to-use-storage-studio
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/do-i-need-a-cloud-account-to-use-storage-studio
category: "Cloud accounts"
subcategory: "Using your accounts"
question: "Do I need a cloud account to use Storage Studio?"
alt_questions:
  - "Can I use Storage Studio without the cloud?"
  - "Is cloud storage required for Storage Studio?"
  - "Storage Studio offline without accounts"
  - "Use Storage Studio only with an external drive"
short_answer: "No. Freeing space, moving apps and folders to an external drive, and reclaiming old local backups all work without any cloud account. Cloud accounts are optional, for sending files to online services or servers."
tags: ["cloud accounts", "requirements"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/cloud-accounts-vs-data-transfers", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/which-cloud-services-can-i-connect"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Do I need a cloud account to use Storage Studio?

No. Freeing space, moving apps and folders to your external drive, and reclaiming old local backups all work without any cloud account. Cloud accounts are optional, for when you want to send files to or from an online service or your own server.

Add one whenever you need it — nothing else changes.