OneDrive File Issues

Can You Upload a 2 TB Computer Drive to Microsoft OneDrive?

Adam Davis Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know if they can upload an entire 2 TB computer drive to OneDrive, despite the standard 1 TB storage limit, and how to safely disconnect from the service without deleting their local files.

Can You Upload a 2 TB Computer Drive to Microsoft OneDrive?

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The user is attempting to back up a large computer drive to the cloud or transition to a local NAS setup, requiring a safe way to stop OneDrive synchronization.
Observed behavior: Uploading 2 TB of data exceeds the standard 1 TB limit provided by Microsoft 365 plans, and deleting cloud files while syncing is active removes them locally due to two-way synchronization.

Before you start

Verify your total available OneDrive storage capacity by clicking the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray and checking the storage usage indicator at the bottom of the menu before attempting any large file transfers.

Solution 1Recommended

Safely Unlink Your PC to Preserve Local Files

Use this method to stop OneDrive from syncing and transition your files to a local storage setup (like a NAS) without risking data loss through two-way sync.

Because OneDrive utilizes two-way synchronization, deleting files from the cloud will also delete them from your computer if the app is actively running. You must break this connection first.

Turn Off Folder Backup

Open OneDrive Settings by clicking the gear icon in the system tray menu. Navigate to 'Sync and backup' > 'Manage backup', and toggle off the backup option for all listed folders.

Unlink Your PC

In the OneDrive Settings menu, go to the 'Account' tab and click on 'Unlink this PC'. This severs the two-way connection between your computer and the cloud servers.

Verify Local File Integrity

Open File Explorer and thoroughly check your documents, pictures, and desktop folders to ensure all the files you want to keep are still safely stored on your local hard drive.

Delete Cloud Copies

Log in to onedrive.live.com through your web browser. Because your PC is now safely unlinked, you can manually delete the cloud files to free up space without affecting your local computer drive.

Safely Unlink Your PC to Preserve Local Files

Safe Data Transition: Once your PC is unlinked, your local files remain untouched, allowing you to freely back them up to an external NAS drive without interference from OneDrive.

Solution 2

Manage Storage via Selective Synchronization

If you want to continue using OneDrive but have more data than your storage limit allows, sync only essential folders to stay within the 1 TB cap.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Cost-Effective Productivity Solution

If Microsoft 365 storage limits and subscription fees are prompting you to move to local backups like a NAS, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that is completely free to use, allowing you to manage your local documents seamlessly without forced cloud integrations.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system.
2. Open Your Microsoft Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without needing to convert any file formats.
3. Save to Local Storage: Edit and save your documents directly to your local computer drive or NAS, avoiding mandatory cloud synchronization limits entirely.

Completely free and lightweight Office suite that won't bloat your systemHigh format compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Familiar interface with a tabbed workspace requiring zero learning curveSeamless offline performance, ideal for users migrating to local NAS storage

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does deleting files from the OneDrive website delete them from my PC?

Yes, if your PC is actively linked and syncing with OneDrive. To prevent this, you must first unlink your PC in the OneDrive Account settings before deleting anything from the cloud interface.

Can I upload a 2 TB drive if I only have a Microsoft 365 Personal plan?

No, the Microsoft 365 Personal plan typically includes a hard cap of 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user. To back up a 2 TB drive, you would need to purchase additional cloud storage or use a local backup solution like an external hard drive.

Is OneDrive considered a complete computer backup solution?

No, OneDrive is a two-way synchronization tool. This means changes or accidental deletions on one device reflect everywhere immediately. For a complete and secure backup strategy, it is highly recommended to keep a separate local backup, such as a NAS.

How do I temporarily pause OneDrive syncing without unlinking?

Click the OneDrive icon in your system tray, click the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, and select 'Pause syncing'. You can choose to pause activity for 2, 8, or 24 hours.

Document & File Issues