OneDrive File Issues

How to Open OneDrive Settings and Stop Desktop Sync

Natalie Taylor Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to access OneDrive settings to stop it from automatically backing up the Desktop folder, especially when the settings window refuses to open.

How to Open OneDrive Settings and Stop Desktop Sync

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: After a recent Windows update, OneDrive automatically enabled Desktop backup and the settings menu has become unresponsive.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive settings window fails to open, preventing the user from navigating to the backup menu to turn off the automatic Desktop folder synchronization.

Before you start

Ensure your Windows OS is fully updated and temporarily pause any active file transfers in your local OneDrive folder to prevent sync conflicts during the reset process.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Client and Disable Desktop Backup

Use the Windows Run command to reset the OneDrive application. This restores your access to the settings menu so you can safely turn off the Desktop folder backup.

Resetting Microsoft OneDrive can sometimes resolve sync issues and resets all OneDrive settings. Doing this will perform a full sync after the setup is completed, but it will not lose or delete any of your personal data.

Clear Windows Store Cache

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type 'wsreset.exe' and press Enter. A blank Command Prompt window will appear and close automatically after a few seconds.

Execute the OneDrive Reset Command

Press the Windows key + R again. Paste the following command: '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' and press Enter. If you see a 'Windows cannot find' error message, try 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' or 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' instead.

Restart the OneDrive Application

Open the Windows Start menu, search for 'OneDrive', and click on the application to launch it. You may need to sign in to your Microsoft account again.

Disable Desktop Folder Sync

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows taskbar. Click the gear icon to open Settings, navigate to 'Sync and backup', and select 'Manage backup'. Toggle off the switch next to 'Desktop' to stop automatic syncing.

Reset the OneDrive Client and Disable Desktop Backup

Files Remain Safe: Disabling the Desktop backup only stops future syncing. Your existing files will remain in your OneDrive cloud storage, and you can manually move them back to your local PC.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Files Securely with WPS Office

If you are frustrated by automatic cloud synchronization and complex settings, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, giving you full manual control over where your documents are saved without forcing unwanted desktop backups.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free, lightweight installation package for Windows.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite on your computer.
3. Save Files Locally: Create or open a document, then use the 'Save As' function to securely store your files on your local hard drive, completely bypassing automatic cloud syncs.

Seamless format compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.Save documents locally by default to entirely avoid unwanted desktop file synchronization.Lightweight installation that keeps your Windows PC running fast and efficiently.Optional built-in WPS Cloud storage that you control manually, ensuring strict privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did OneDrive automatically start backing up my Desktop?

Windows updates sometimes enable the 'Known Folder Move' feature by default. This automatically configures OneDrive to sync your standard Windows folders, including Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, to your cloud storage.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my local computer files?

No. Running the reset command only clears the application's configuration cache and restarts the sync engine. Your local files and the files already backed up in the cloud will remain completely intact.

What should I do if the OneDrive reset command says 'Windows cannot find'?

This error occurs if OneDrive is installed in a different directory on your PC. Instead of the AppData path, try using 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' or 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset' in the Run dialog.

How can I completely stop OneDrive from running on Windows startup?

Click the OneDrive icon on your taskbar, open Settings, go to the 'Sync and backup' tab, and turn off the toggle for the option that says 'Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows.'

Document & File Issues