OneDrive File Issues

How to Keep OneDrive Files Stored Locally and Stop Folder Backup

Camila Milosovich Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to store files on their local drive for offline access and specifically needs to know how to stop OneDrive from automatically backing up default system folders.

How to Keep OneDrive Files Stored Locally and Stop Automatic Backup

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: The user needs offline access to their documents and wants to prevent OneDrive from automatically syncing local folders like Desktop, Documents, or Pictures to the cloud.
Observed behavior: Files marked as 'Always keep on this device' remain in the OneDrive folder and continue to sync to the cloud, maintaining a OneDrive breadcrumb rather than acting strictly as offline local files.

Before you start

Before altering your OneDrive sync configurations, verify that all important files have completely finished uploading or downloading to avoid temporary loss of file access.

Solution 1

Use 'Always Keep on this Device' for Offline Access

Use this method if you want files downloaded to your local hard drive for offline use while remaining connected to OneDrive cloud storage.

This option downloads a local copy of online-only files so they are available without an internet connection. However, these files remain in the OneDrive folder and are still synchronized with the cloud.

Locate the file or folder

Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder.

Enable offline access

Right-click the specific file or folder you need locally and select 'Always keep on this device' from the context menu.

Verify local storage

Wait for the status icon to change to a solid green circle with a white check mark, indicating the file is downloaded to your hard drive.

Solution 2Recommended

Stop Automatic Backup for Specific Folders

Disable the automatic backup of specific system folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures) to prevent them from constantly syncing to OneDrive.

Solution 3

Unlink OneDrive to Stop All Synchronization

Disconnect your computer from OneDrive entirely if you wish to stop all cloud syncing and keep managing your files strictly locally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 'Always keep on this device' option actually do in OneDrive?

It downloads a local copy of a cloud file directly to your computer's hard drive so you can open it without internet access. The file remains connected and synced to your OneDrive cloud storage whenever you go online.

Why are my files still in the OneDrive folder after I stop the folder backup?

Stopping the backup only prevents future synchronization. The existing files stay in the OneDrive directory to prevent data loss. You must manually move them back to your local Desktop, Documents, or Pictures folders using File Explorer.

How can I tell if a OneDrive file is stored on my local hard drive?

Look at the status icon next to the file. A solid green circle with a white check mark indicates that the file has been downloaded and is available offline on your local device.

Will unlinking OneDrive delete the local files on my computer?

No, unlinking simply severs the connection between your PC and the cloud server. Your locally downloaded files will safely remain on your hard drive, while online-only files will no longer be visible in File Explorer.

Document & File Issues