OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Sync: How to Exclude a Specific Subfolder

Bushra Parveen Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs a way to prevent specific local subfolders from uploading to OneDrive while keeping the main parent folder synchronized.

How to Exclude a Specific Subfolder from OneDrive Sync

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Trying to stop specific directories, such as game saves or mod files located inside Documents or Desktop, from backing up to the cloud storage.
Observed behavior: OneDrive backs up entire primary folders without providing a native option to exclude individual subfolders. The 'Choose Folders' setting only stops cloud files from downloading to the local drive, but does not stop local files from uploading.

Before you start

Check whether the subfolders you wish to exclude are essential to any currently running applications, as moving them may require you to reconfigure those application settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Move the Subfolder Outside of OneDrive's Reach

Since OneDrive cannot exclude subfolders inside synchronized main folders, the most reliable workaround is to physically move the target subfolder to an unsynced location.

Microsoft OneDrive applies its backup rules to entire primary folders (like Desktop, Documents, and Pictures). Any file or folder placed inside them is automatically uploaded. Moving your heavy or private subfolders outside these directories prevents them from syncing.

Locate the subfolder

Open File Explorer and navigate to the specific subfolder you want to exclude from OneDrive (e.g., inside your Documents folder).

Cut the folder

Right-click the subfolder and select 'Cut', or select it and press Ctrl + X on your keyboard.

Create a new local directory

Navigate to the root of your local drive (such as C:\) or your User profile folder (C:\Users\YourName) and create a new folder named 'Local Files' or similar.

Paste the subfolder

Open your newly created directory, right-click an empty space, and select 'Paste' (or press Ctrl + V) to store the files safely outside of OneDrive's sync path.

Move the Subfolder Outside of OneDrive's Reach

Application Settings: If you are moving game saves, mod folders, or application cache, you will likely need to go into that specific software's settings and point it to the new local file path.

Solution 2

Disable OneDrive Backup for the Entire Main Folder

If you do not strictly need your primary Windows folders (like Documents or Desktop) backed up to the cloud, you can turn off the backup feature for the whole directory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the 'Choose Folders' setting to stop a subfolder from uploading to OneDrive?

No. The 'Choose Folders' feature in OneDrive settings only dictates which cloud folders are downloaded to your local PC. It does not prevent local files or subfolders from being uploaded to the cloud.

Will using a symbolic link trick OneDrive into skipping a subfolder?

No. OneDrive actively follows symbolic links (symlinks) and will synchronize their target files and folders just as it would with normal directories. You cannot use symlinks to bypass OneDrive's upload process.

How do I stop OneDrive from syncing my PC game save files?

Since many PC games automatically save data to your 'Documents' folder, and OneDrive backs up this folder by default, you cannot directly exclude them. You must either disable OneDrive backup for the entire Documents folder, or check if the game offers an in-game setting to change its default save location to an unsynced drive.

Document & File Issues