OneDrive File Issues

How to Move Documents Folder from OneDrive to Local Drive

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to change the default location of the Windows Documents folder from the OneDrive directory back to the local user directory, without uninstalling or removing OneDrive.

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: The user wants to stop OneDrive from automatically backing up and redirecting the primary Documents folder to the cloud, preferring to store files locally.
Observed behavior: The Windows Documents folder is currently redirected to the OneDrive path (C:\Users\<name>\OneDrive\Documents) and needs to be restored to the default local path (C:\Users\<name>\Documents).

Before you start

Ensure that your computer is connected to the internet so OneDrive can sync any pending changes, preventing potential data loss before you modify the folder's location.

Solution 1Recommended

Stop OneDrive Backup and Restore Default Folder Location

This method safely halts the OneDrive sync for your Documents folder and utilizes Windows Properties to restore the folder's original local path.

By default, OneDrive may hijack your primary Windows folders to ensure they are backed up to the cloud. To revert this, you must first tell OneDrive to stop protecting the folder, and then reset the Windows directory mapping.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click on the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Windows system tray (bottom-right corner of the taskbar), click the gear icon, and select 'Settings'.

Stop the folder backup

Navigate to the 'Sync and backup' tab and click on 'Manage backup'. Find the 'Documents' folder in the list and toggle it off or select 'Stop backup'.

Access folder properties

Open File Explorer and navigate to your user folder (C:\Users\<your_name>\OneDrive). Right-click the 'Documents' folder and select 'Properties'.

Restore the default location

Go to the 'Location' tab inside the Properties window. Click the 'Restore Default' button, which should change the path back to C:\Users\<your_name>\Documents.

Apply changes carefully

Click 'Apply' and 'OK'. Windows will ask if you want to move all the files from the old location to the new location. Read the prompt carefully and select 'Yes' to transfer your existing files to the local drive.

File Duplication Warning: If you select 'No' during the final step, your files will remain in the OneDrive folder, and a new, empty Documents folder will be created locally. You can manually copy the files over later if preferred.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will stopping the backup delete my files from OneDrive?

No, stopping the backup simply halts future synchronization. Your existing files will remain safely in your OneDrive cloud account and the local OneDrive directory until you manually move or delete them.

Can I use the same method to move my Desktop or Pictures folder?

Yes, this exact process applies to other system folders redirected by OneDrive. You can stop the backup for Pictures or Desktop in OneDrive's 'Manage backup' settings and restore their default paths via their respective folder Properties.

What if the 'Location' tab is missing in the folder properties?

If the Location tab is missing, it usually means you are right-clicking a Library, a Quick Access shortcut, or a standard folder rather than the actual system folder. Ensure you navigate directly to C:\Users\<your_username>\OneDrive to right-click the official Documents folder.

Document & File Issues