OneDrive File Issues

How to Reset OneDrive Sync Settings and Where They Are Stored

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know the location where OneDrive stores synchronization settings and how to effectively reset them.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reinstalling Windows or the OneDrive desktop application and attempting to start with fresh synchronization settings.
Observed behavior: Previous OneDrive sync selections automatically reappear upon signing in, making it difficult to reset the configuration by modifying local files.

Before you start

Before attempting to reset your synchronization settings, ensure you are connected to the internet and signed into the correct Microsoft account associated with your OneDrive cloud storage.

Solution 1Recommended

Modify Sync Settings Directly Through the OneDrive App

Because OneDrive settings are saved to your Microsoft account in the cloud, you must update your folder selections directly within the app rather than deleting local files.

Many users attempt to clear OneDrive configurations by deleting local folders or registry entries. However, because sync selections are tied to your Microsoft account, these settings are primarily stored in the cloud. As soon as you sign in again, the previous account-level configuration is restored.

To effectively change or reset what OneDrive synchronizes, you must use the built-in folder selection tool. This updates your cloud-based preferences permanently for that device.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Windows taskbar system tray. Click the gear icon (Help & Settings) in the upper-right corner of the pop-up, and select 'Settings'.

Navigate to the Account Tab

In the OneDrive settings window, click on the 'Account' tab on the left sidebar or top menu to view your connected Microsoft account details.

Choose Folders to Sync

Click the 'Choose folders' button. A new window will appear displaying all your cloud folders. Uncheck the folders you no longer want to sync to your local drive, then click 'OK' to save the updated settings to the cloud.

Cloud Data Safety: Unchecking a folder in the sync settings will remove it from your local computer to free up space, but the files will remain completely safe in your online OneDrive cloud storage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my OneDrive sync settings come back after reinstalling Windows?

OneDrive sync settings are tied directly to your Microsoft account and stored on Microsoft's cloud servers. When you reinstall Windows and sign back into your OneDrive app, it automatically downloads and applies your previously saved account-level configuration.

Will deleting local OneDrive configuration files reset my preferences?

No. Deleting local registry entries or configuration folders will not permanently reset your sync preferences. Because the settings are cloud-based, OneDrive will simply restore them from the server the next time you sign in.

How can I completely stop OneDrive from syncing my Desktop or Documents folders?

To stop syncing system folders, open OneDrive Settings, navigate to the 'Sync and backup' or 'Backup' tab, click on 'Manage backup', and toggle off the synchronization for your Desktop, Documents, or Pictures folders.

Document & File Issues