OneDrive File Issues

How to Move Word Documents from OneDrive to a Local PC and Stop Cloud Saving

Huda Qurayshi Oct 16, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to restore their Word documents from OneDrive to local computer folders and disable automatic cloud saving or backup for future documents.

How to Move Word Documents from OneDrive to a Local PC and Stop Cloud Saving

Product: Microsoft 365, OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Transferring files from cloud storage back to local storage and disabling automatic cloud synchronization.
Observed behavior: Documents are automatically saving to OneDrive cloud storage instead of the local PC.

Before you start

Ensure you have enough local storage space on your PC to accommodate all the files currently stored in your OneDrive. Do not delete any files from your OneDrive cloud storage until you have successfully unlinked your account and verified the local copies.

Solution 1Recommended

Stop OneDrive from Backing Up Local Folders

Use this method if you want to keep OneDrive active but prevent it from automatically syncing your Desktop, Documents, or Pictures folders.

By default, OneDrive manages and backs up key folders on your PC. Disabling this feature stops automatic syncing for future Word documents saved in these locations.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Windows taskbar notification area, click the gear icon (Help & Settings), and select Settings.

Access Backup Settings

Navigate to the 'Sync and backup' tab (or 'Backup' in older versions) and click on the 'Manage backup' button.

Stop Folder Backup

Toggle off or uncheck the folders (such as Documents or Desktop) that you no longer want backed up to OneDrive, and confirm your changes.

Stop OneDrive from Backing Up Local Folders

Solution 2

Unlink OneDrive from Your PC and Move Files Locally

Use this method if you want to completely stop using OneDrive on your computer and ensure all files remain strictly local.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for an Office Suite that Saves Locally by Default?

If you're tired of forced cloud saves and complex syncing issues, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight alternative. It provides full compatibility with Microsoft Word formats while giving you complete control over where your files are saved, keeping them strictly local and secure on your PC.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and click on the 'Download WPS Office Free' button to get the setup file.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the software on your local PC.
3. Set as Default Program: Open WPS Office and set it as your default application to seamlessly view, edit, and locally save your Word documents without cloud interference.

Completely free and lightweight Office suiteFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel, and PowerPoint formatsSaves files locally to your PC by defaultNo forced cloud syncing or complex backup settingsFamiliar, easy-to-use interface for seamless migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Word documents saving to OneDrive instead of my PC?

Microsoft 365 enables OneDrive backup by default for standard folders like Documents, Desktop, and Pictures. When you save a file to these folders, it automatically syncs to your OneDrive cloud storage unless you manually change the default save location or disable the backup feature.

Will unlinking OneDrive delete my local Word documents?

Unlinking OneDrive stops the synchronization process but leaves your files intact. However, files that were configured as 'Files On-Demand' (stored only in the cloud) will remain as shortcuts in a 'Where are my files' folder, requiring you to move or download them manually to standard local folders.

How can I change the default save location in Microsoft Word to my local PC?

Open Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Save. Check the box that says 'Save to Computer by default' and specify your preferred local file path in the 'Default local file location' box, then click OK.

What happens if I delete a file from OneDrive while my PC is still linked?

If your PC is still linked and actively syncing, deleting a file from OneDrive online will also permanently delete the synchronized copy from your local computer's hard drive.

Document & File Issues