OneDrive File Issues

How to Remove OneDrive from File Paths When Attaching Files

John Wilson Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to stop OneDrive from automatically inserting itself into file paths when browsing for or attaching files, preferring to use a local or custom storage location.

How to Remove OneDrive from File Paths When Attaching Files

Product: Microsoft 365 and OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attaching files in web browsers like Firefox, where documents default to the OneDrive synchronization folder path.
Observed behavior: OneDrive appears in the file paths during file attachment because Microsoft 365 sets it as the default save and sync location, which makes identifying and managing local files difficult.

Before you start

Before modifying your storage and synchronization settings, verify that any important documents currently stored in the OneDrive folder have been securely backed up to your local drive.

Solution 1Recommended

Change Microsoft 365 and OneDrive Default Save Settings

Modify both your OneDrive synchronization settings and Microsoft Office save options to restore standard local file paths when browsing or attaching files.

Microsoft 365 defaults to using OneDrive as your primary save location and often synchronizes your local Documents folder to the cloud. To remove OneDrive from your file paths, you must manually instruct Office to save locally and disable OneDrive's folder backup.

You do not need to uninstall OneDrive completely; adjusting the default locations will allow you to use your preferred storage service while keeping OneDrive available for manual use.

Stop OneDrive Folder Backup

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, select the Gear icon, and click 'Settings'. Navigate to the 'Sync and backup' tab, click 'Manage backup', and toggle off the synchronization for your Documents, Desktop, and Pictures folders.

Access Office Save Options

Open any Microsoft Office application, such as Word or Excel. Click 'File' in the top-left corner, select 'Options' at the bottom, and click on the 'Save' tab in the left-hand menu.

Enable Local Saving by Default

Under the 'Save documents' section, check the box next to 'Save to Computer by default'. Below that, update the 'Default local file location' to your preferred standard local path (for example, C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents).

Restart Your Browser

Close and reopen Firefox or your preferred web browser to ensure the new local paths are registered by the system's file attachment dialog.

Change Microsoft 365 and OneDrive Default Save Settings

Local Paths Restored: Once these settings are applied, newly saved files will default to your local drive, and attaching files from your Documents folder will no longer display the OneDrive URL or sync path.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Complete Control Over File Storage

If you want to avoid Microsoft 365's forced OneDrive synchronization and convoluted file paths, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides complete control over where your files are saved while offering an intuitive, local-first workflow.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package and follow the on-screen prompts to set it up.
2. Open or Create a File: Launch WPS Office and start a new document or open an existing Microsoft Office file seamlessly.
3. Save Locally Without Hassle: Click 'Save As' and directly select any local folder on your PC. WPS Office respects your local storage preferences by default.

Save files locally by default without mandatory cloud synchronizationFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxLightweight software that won't overwhelm your system resourcesFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive appear in my file paths in Firefox?

Microsoft 365 automatically sets OneDrive as the default save location and backs up your local Documents folder. When you try to attach a file in Firefox, the system browser looks at the folder's real path, which has been redirected to the OneDrive synchronization directory.

Do I need to uninstall OneDrive to fix the file paths?

No, you do not need to uninstall it. You can simply change your Microsoft Office options to 'Save to Computer by default' and disable the PC folder backup in OneDrive's 'Sync and backup' settings.

Will my existing files be deleted if I stop OneDrive backup?

No, but they might be moved. When you stop backing up a folder in OneDrive settings, your files may remain in the OneDrive cloud folder. You will need to manually move them back to your local Documents or Desktop folder.

Document & File Issues