OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop Dell Folders from Syncing with OneDrive on Two PCs

Muhammad Talha Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent Dell-managed system folders from syncing via OneDrive across two computers, as identical folder names with different contents are causing sync conflicts.

How to Stop Dell Folders from Syncing with OneDrive on Two PCs

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Managing OneDrive sync settings on multiple Dell computers sharing the same Microsoft account to avoid folder duplication.
Observed behavior: Identical Dell folders sync and merge incorrectly. Renaming them fails because Dell software automatically recreates the folders with their original names, and OneDrive's 'Choose folders' option is unavailable.

Before you start

Before making changes, verify which folders are actively being used by your Dell system software (such as Dell SupportAssist) and ensure your personal files are securely backed up to a separate local drive.

Solution 1Recommended

Move Dell-Managed Folders Outside the OneDrive Directory

The most effective way to stop OneDrive from syncing system-generated folders is to move them out of the OneDrive folder hierarchy entirely, allowing Dell to manage them locally.

Since Dell utilities are programmed to automatically recreate missing or renamed folders, trying to rename them within OneDrive will only offer a temporary fix. Furthermore, OneDrive often blocks the 'Choose folders' exclusion feature for system-created subdirectories. Relocating the folders is the only permanent solution.

Locate the Dell folders

Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive directory to find the Dell-managed folders that are causing synchronization conflicts (commonly found in the Documents folder).

Create a new local destination

Navigate to a local, non-syncing directory on your PC, such as 'C:\Dell' or directly within your local User Profile ('C:\Users\[YourUsername]').

Move the folders

Select the Dell folders in your OneDrive directory, press 'Ctrl + X' to cut them, and then press 'Ctrl + V' to paste them into the new local destination you just created.

Allow local recreation

If you cannot move them due to them being actively used, simply delete the conflicting folders from OneDrive. The Dell software will automatically recreate them in their default local paths outside of the OneDrive sync cycle.

Move Dell-Managed Folders Outside the OneDrive Directory

Avoid Renaming or Using Symbolic Links: Renaming the folders inside OneDrive will trigger Dell software to recreate the original folders, doubling your clutter. Symbolic links can bypass this, but they are highly complex to configure and can cause additional OneDrive errors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do renamed Dell folders keep reappearing in my OneDrive?

Dell system utilities, such as SupportAssist, are programmed to continuously check for their required folder paths. If they detect that a folder is missing or has been renamed, the software automatically generates a new one with the exact original name.

Why is the 'Choose folders' option unavailable for these specific files?

OneDrive often restricts you from deselecting specific subfolders if they are nested within a main directory that is set to continuously backup, such as your primary Documents or Desktop folders.

Will moving these folders affect my Dell computer's performance?

No. As long as the folders are moved to a valid local directory (or allowed to be recreated locally by the Dell software), your computer's utilities will function normally while entirely avoiding OneDrive synchronization conflicts.

Document & File Issues