OneDrive File Issues

How to Separate Desktop Files Between Devices Using One OneDrive Account

Adam Davis Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent desktop files from one computer from appearing on another computer when both devices are signed into the same OneDrive account.

How to Separate Desktop Files Between Devices Using One OneDrive Account

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using a single OneDrive account across multiple computers where desktop synchronization is active.
Observed behavior: Desktop files and shortcuts from one computer are automatically syncing and appearing on the desktop of the second computer.

Before you start

Before making changes to your sync settings, identify which files belong to which computer to avoid accidentally deleting important documents from your local desktop.

Solution 1Recommended

Turn Off Desktop Folder Backup in OneDrive Settings

Disabling the Desktop backup feature stops OneDrive from merging the desktop files of multiple computers connected to the same account.

When OneDrive folder backup is enabled for the Desktop on multiple PCs, all devices share the exact same desktop layout and files. Turning this feature off allows each computer to maintain its own independent local desktop.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray (usually located at the bottom right of the taskbar), click the gear icon, and select 'Settings'.

Navigate to Sync and Back Up

In the left-hand menu of the settings window, click on the 'Sync and back up' tab.

Manage Backup Options

Click the 'Manage back up' button to open the folder sync preferences.

Disable Desktop Sync

Locate the 'Desktop' folder in the list and toggle the switch to the off position.

Choose File Location

When prompted, select whether to keep the existing files in OneDrive or move them back to your local computer's desktop folder.

Where did my files go?: If you chose to keep the files in OneDrive, your local desktop might appear empty. You can open your OneDrive folder in File Explorer, copy the files, and paste them back to your local desktop.

Solution 2

Use Separate Microsoft Accounts for Each User

To ensure complete privacy and separation of files, each user or device should operate on a distinct Microsoft account.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off desktop backup delete my files?

No, turning off desktop backup will not delete your files. You will be prompted to choose whether to keep the files locally on your PC or leave them safely in your OneDrive folder.

Can I sync only specific desktop files to OneDrive?

OneDrive's folder backup feature syncs the entire Desktop folder at once. If you only want to sync specific files, you should turn off Desktop backup and manually move the desired files directly into the main OneDrive folder in File Explorer.

Why did my desktop shortcuts disappear after I disabled OneDrive backup?

If you selected the option to leave your files in OneDrive when disabling the backup, your local desktop will stop displaying them. You can easily fix this by opening your OneDrive folder, selecting the missing shortcuts or files, and moving them back to your local desktop manually.

Document & File Issues