OneDrive File Issues

How to Keep Separate Desktops on Multiple PCs with OneDrive

Phi Hung Vo Sep 29, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent OneDrive from automatically merging desktop files and configurations across multiple computers.

How to Keep Separate Desktops on Multiple PCs with OneDrive

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing file synchronization and backups across multiple PCs connected to the same OneDrive account.
Observed behavior: OneDrive combines the Desktop folders from all connected devices, resulting in a single merged desktop experience instead of keeping each computer's desktop separate.

Before you start

Ensure you are signed in to the same Microsoft account on all your PCs and have the OneDrive application running in your system taskbar.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Desktop Backup on Each PC

Turn off the Desktop sync feature in OneDrive settings to stop it from merging files and restore local desktop functionality.

By default, OneDrive's backup feature syncs your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to the cloud. When activated on multiple computers, it merges all desktop files into one view. You must disable this setting on each PC where you want an independent desktop.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click on the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Windows system tray (taskbar), then click the gear icon to open Settings.

Navigate to Backup Options

Select the 'Sync and backup' tab from the left menu, then click on 'Manage backup'.

Turn Off Desktop Sync

Toggle off the switch next to 'Desktop' to stop backing up the desktop to OneDrive. Repeat this process on all your other PCs to keep them completely separate.

Where are my files?: After turning off backup, your existing desktop files will remain in the OneDrive folder. You can find a shortcut titled 'Where are my files' on your local desktop to quickly access and move them back.

Solution 2

Create Dedicated Device Folders in OneDrive

If you still want your desktop files backed up to the cloud without them merging, organize them manually into device-specific folders.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Better Way to Manage Your Documents?

While setting up your computer and managing OneDrive backups, you might also need a reliable suite for your documents. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that makes managing your files across devices a breeze.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your PC.
2. Install and Launch: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software quickly, then open the application.
3. Edit and Sync Seamlessly: Open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without formatting loss, and optionally use WPS Cloud to keep your work synchronized on your own terms.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight installation ensures your PC runs fast and smoothly without cluttering your system.Comes with a familiar, tabbed interface to manage multiple documents effortlessly.Integrated with built-in WPS Cloud for easy and organized cross-device syncing, eliminating merging issues.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my desktop files from another computer appear on my current PC?

This happens because OneDrive's 'Desktop backup' feature is enabled on both computers. OneDrive syncs the Desktop folder to the cloud and mirrors the exact same files across all devices logged into that account.

Will I lose my files if I turn off OneDrive Desktop backup?

No, your files will not be deleted. When you stop the backup, your local desktop will appear empty or only show default icons, while your original files will safely remain in your OneDrive cloud folder. You can then manually move them back to your local desktop.

Can I choose to sync only specific desktop files instead of everything?

The built-in OneDrive Desktop backup applies to the entire folder. To sync only specific files, you should turn off the Desktop backup feature entirely and manually save only the files you want to sync directly into your standard OneDrive folder.

Document & File Issues