OneDrive File Issues

Does OneDrive Remove Files from the Local C Drive? Understanding Folder Sync

Ayan Masood Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if OneDrive removes or deletes files from the local C drive when folder backup and synchronization are enabled.

Does OneDrive Remove Files from the Local C Drive?

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Managing local computer files and understanding the impact of cloud synchronization on standard folders like Documents.
Observed behavior: Files saved in the local Documents folder appear to be stored in the cloud, causing uncertainty about whether deleting these synchronized files will also remove them from the local C drive.

Before you start

Before modifying your OneDrive settings or deleting files, ensure you understand which folders are currently being backed up to the cloud to avoid accidental data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Your OneDrive Folder Backup and Sync Settings

Check if your local folders are redirected to OneDrive and understand how file deletion works across synced environments.

When OneDrive folder backup is enabled, standard folders like Documents are redirected to the cloud. This means any file saved there is synchronized between your PC and OneDrive.

If you delete a synchronized file from the OneDrive folder on your PC or from OneDrive online, it will also be removed from your local C drive after synchronization is complete. To prevent this, you must verify your folder paths.

Open File Explorer

Launch File Explorer on your Windows PC and navigate to This PC > C: > Users > [Your Username] > Documents.

Inspect the folder status

Look for a OneDrive cloud or sync icon next to the files in the Documents folder. This icon indicates that the folder is actively synchronized with the cloud.

Check folder properties

Right-click the Documents folder and select Properties. Navigate to the Location tab to see if the folder path includes 'OneDrive'. If it does, your folder has been redirected.

Manage backup settings

To separate your local Documents from OneDrive, open your OneDrive settings, go to the Sync and back up tab, click Manage back up, and stop the backup for the Documents folder.

Verify Your OneDrive Folder Backup and Sync Settings

Files On-Demand: Files marked with a solid cloud icon are 'online-only' and do not take up local C drive space until you open them or explicitly choose to keep them on your device.

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While organizing your local and cloud files, consider WPS Office as a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers seamless document creation and editing without forcing unwanted cloud synchronizations.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your local C drive.
3. Open and Edit Files: Launch WPS Office to easily open, edit, and save your documents directly to your preferred local folders.

Completely free and lightweight office suiteFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxBuilt-in PDF reader and editor for versatile file managementFamiliar, easy-to-use tabbed interfaceFlexible local storage options that do not force automatic cloud sync

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my files have a cloud icon next to them in File Explorer?

A cloud icon indicates that the file is stored online in OneDrive and does not take up physical space on your local C drive. It will be downloaded automatically when you open it.

How do I stop OneDrive from syncing my Documents folder?

Open your OneDrive Settings from the system tray, go to the 'Sync and back up' tab, select 'Manage back up', and toggle off the Documents folder to stop redirecting it to the cloud.

If I unlink OneDrive from my PC, will my files be deleted from my C drive?

No, unlinking OneDrive simply stops the synchronization process. Your locally downloaded files will remain on your computer, while online-only files will stay in the cloud but disappear from File Explorer.

Can I recover a file deleted from a synced OneDrive folder?

Yes, files deleted from a synced OneDrive folder are usually moved to your local Windows Recycle Bin, as well as the OneDrive online Recycle Bin, where they can be restored within 30 days.

Document & File Issues