OneDrive File Issues

How to Restore Windows Documents Folder After OneDrive Redirection

Camila Milosovich Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to revert the Windows Documents folder to its original local path after OneDrive redirected it, which is causing permission errors for saving game files.

How to Restore Windows Documents Folder After OneDrive Redirection

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Trying to save game files or access local documents but encountering unauthorized access errors due to cloud redirection.
Observed behavior: Games and applications report unauthorized access errors because the Documents folder is automatically redirected to the OneDrive sync path.

Before you start

Before modifying folder paths or stopping synchronization, manually copy all files from your current OneDrive Documents folder to an external drive or a separate local folder to prevent data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Stop OneDrive Backup and Restore Default Path

The most direct way to fix access issues is to stop OneDrive from backing up your Documents folder, which removes the cloud redirection.

Stopping the backup will unlink the local Documents folder from OneDrive. Your existing files will remain in the OneDrive folder, and you will need to move them back manually.

Access OneDrive Settings

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

Manage Folder Backup

Navigate to the Sync and backup tab, then click on the Manage backup button.

Stop Syncing Documents

Find the Documents folder in the list and toggle off the backup switch. Confirm your choice to stop backing up this folder.

Move Files Back

Open File Explorer, go to C:\Users\Username\OneDrive\Documents, and move your required files back to the local C:\Users\Username\Documents folder.

Stop OneDrive Backup and Restore Default Path

Verification: Once the folder is restored to its local path, launch your game or application to confirm the unauthorized access error is resolved.

Solution 2

Modify Folder Permissions and Pause Syncing

If you prefer to keep OneDrive backup enabled, you can temporarily pause syncing or manually adjust folder permissions to allow games to save properly.

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1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for Windows.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling OneDrive automatically restore my Documents folder?

No, uninstalling the OneDrive application will not automatically undo the folder redirection. You must first stop the folder backup in OneDrive settings and manually move your files back to the local Documents folder before uninstalling.

Why do games show an unauthorized access error when OneDrive is running?

OneDrive often locks files or restricts write access while it is actively synchronizing changes to the cloud. This prevents games and applications from writing save data to the redirected Documents folder, resulting in unauthorized access errors.

Where do my files go after I stop syncing the Documents folder?

Once you stop the backup, your existing files remain in the OneDrive folder path (C:\Users\Username\OneDrive\Documents). Windows will place a shortcut named 'Where are my files?' in your local Documents folder to help you easily locate and move them back.

Document & File Issues