How to Stop Non-Picture Files from Appearing in OneDrive Photos
Question details
The user wants to stop documents, scanned files, and other non-photos stored outside the Pictures folder from appearing in the OneDrive Photos or Memories view.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing the Photos or Memories section in OneDrive and encountering unrelated document files.
- Observed behavior
- Scanned documents and other non-picture files are automatically aggregated and displayed in OneDrive's Pictures and Memories sections.
Make sure your OneDrive application is up to date and identify the exact folders on your device that contain the scanned documents or files you wish to exclude.
Exclude Specific Folders Using OneDrive Sync Settings on PC
You can choose exactly which folders OneDrive syncs to your computer, preventing folders containing documents from mixing with your photos.
OneDrive allows you to select specific folders for synchronization. By deselecting the folders that contain your scanned documents or non-picture files, you can stop them from uploading to the cloud and appearing in your Photos view.
Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon located in your Windows taskbar notification area, and select Settings (the gear icon).
Navigate to the Account tab (or 'Sync and backup' depending on your version) and click the 'Choose folders' button.
In the list of synced folders, clear the checkboxes next to the folders containing the documents or files you do not want to sync with OneDrive.
Click OK to save your preferences. OneDrive will no longer sync those folders, removing them from your cloud Photos view.
Modify Camera Upload Settings in OneDrive Mobile App
If you are using a smartphone, OneDrive might be backing up additional device folders (like Downloads or Scanners) alongside your camera roll.
Manage Your Documents Efficiently with WPS Office
If managing documents in OneDrive is causing them to mix with your personal photos, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a dedicated, lightweight environment for creating, editing, and storing your documents seamlessly without cluttering your personal media.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free, lightweight suite on your PC or mobile device.
- 2. Sign In for Cloud Storage: Create a free account to access WPS Cloud, giving you dedicated space for your documents.
- 3. Save and Manage Documents: Save your scanned documents and files directly to WPS Cloud, ensuring they never mix with your OneDrive photos again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive put my documents in the Photos tab?
By default, OneDrive's Photos tab scans all your synced cloud folders for image file types (like JPG or PNG). If you save scanned documents or screenshots as image files, OneDrive will automatically aggregate and display them in the Photos tab, regardless of which specific folder they are stored in.
How do I save scanned documents so they don't appear in Photos?
To prevent documents from appearing in the Photos view, save your scanned files in PDF format instead of image formats (like JPG). OneDrive's Photos view filters specifically for image formats, so PDFs will be ignored and won't clutter your photo albums.
Can I hide specific folders from OneDrive Memories without stopping sync?
Yes. If you still want to back up a folder but exclude it from Memories, log into OneDrive on the web, click the Settings gear, go to Options, and select 'Photos'. From there, you can manage which folders are excluded from your 'On this day' and Memories notifications.
