OneDrive File Issues

How to Back Up Two PCs to OneDrive Without Syncing Desktop Files

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to back up files from two different computers to a single OneDrive account without having their Desktop, Documents, or Pictures folders automatically synchronize and merge across both devices.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up cloud backups for multiple computers using a single user account.
Observed behavior: OneDrive's default folder backup synchronizes common system folders across all devices under the same account, causing desktop icons and files from one PC to appear on the other PC.

Before you start

Before modifying your OneDrive sync settings, review the files on your desktop to ensure you do not accidentally delete local copies of files that are currently only stored in the cloud.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Custom Folders and the 'Choose Folders' Sync Setting

By disabling the default system folder backup and manually creating specific folders for each PC, you can selectively control which files are synced to which computer.

OneDrive's built-in folder backup does not support independent Desktop folders for multiple PCs on the same account. To keep device-specific files separated, you must manage them outside the default Desktop, Documents, and Pictures directories.

Disable Default Folder Backup

Open OneDrive settings, go to 'Sync and back up', click on 'Manage backup', and turn off the toggle for the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders.

Create Device-Specific Folders

Open your main OneDrive directory and create independent folders for each device, such as 'Desktop_PC1' and 'Desktop_PC2'.

Select Folders to Sync

Return to OneDrive settings, go to the 'Account' tab, and click 'Choose folders'. Uncheck the custom folders that belong to your other computer so they do not download locally to the current PC.

Manual File Organization Required: This method requires you to manually save your files into your new custom OneDrive folders instead of saving them directly to your Windows desktop.

Solution 2

Use Separate OneDrive Accounts for Each PC

Using different Microsoft accounts for each computer provides true independent backups without the hassle of manual folder management.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive merge the Desktop folders on my two PCs?

OneDrive's 'PC Folder Backup' feature is designed to keep your common user folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures) identical across all devices that are logged into the same Microsoft account. It does not natively differentiate between separate devices.

Can I stop OneDrive from syncing my Desktop but keep syncing Documents?

Yes. Open your OneDrive settings, navigate to 'Sync and back up', click 'Manage backup', and toggle off the Desktop folder while leaving the Documents folder enabled.

Is OneDrive considered a true PC backup solution?

OneDrive is primarily a cloud synchronization service. While it does keep a copy of your files in the cloud, deleting a file on your PC will also delete it from OneDrive across all your devices unless you use specific retention settings or external traditional backup software.

Document & File Issues