OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop OneDrive Backup and Restore Files to Local Hard Drive

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user enabled OneDrive folder backup, which automatically moved their local files to the cloud and removed them from the original local folders. They want to restore the files back to the local hard drive and disable the OneDrive backup feature.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing cloud storage synchronization to prevent files from being removed from local directories.
Observed behavior: Files appear to move to the cloud and disappear from their original local folders immediately after OneDrive folder backup is enabled.

Before you start

Ensure you are connected to the internet and logged into your OneDrive account before attempting to change synchronization settings or move files.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Folder Backup in OneDrive Settings

Turn off the backup feature to stop OneDrive from automatically syncing and moving your local folders to the cloud.

By default, enabling OneDrive's PC Folder Backup redirects your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to the cloud. Disabling this feature stops the sync process and prevents future files from being moved automatically.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar or system tray, click the gear icon (Help & Settings), and select 'Settings'.

Navigate to Sync and Backup

In the Settings window, go to the 'Sync and backup' tab located on the left-side menu.

Manage Backup

Click the 'Manage backup' button. A new window will appear showing the folders currently being backed up.

Turn Off Backup

Toggle off the switch for the folders you no longer want to sync (e.g., Documents). Confirm the action when prompted by clicking 'Stop backup'.

File Location After Disabling Backup: When you stop backing up a folder, the files that were already backed up remain in your OneDrive folder. They will not automatically return to your original local folders.

Solution 2

Manually Copy Files Back to the Local Hard Drive

Since stopping the backup leaves existing files in the cloud folder, you must manually move them back to your local directories.

Solution 3

Save Future Files Outside the OneDrive Directory

Prevent new files from syncing to the cloud by deliberately saving them to local paths.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did OneDrive delete my local files when I turned on backup?

When you enable OneDrive's PC Folder Backup, it moves your selected local folders (like Desktop, Documents, and Pictures) directly into the OneDrive directory to sync them to the cloud. This process removes them from their original local path, making it appear as though they were deleted, but they are actually safely stored in the OneDrive folder.

Will turning off OneDrive backup delete my files stored in the cloud?

No, stopping the backup does not delete your files. Turning off the backup only stops new files from syncing to the cloud. Your existing files will remain in your OneDrive cloud storage folder until you manually move or delete them.

How do I stop OneDrive from syncing without unlinking my entire account?

You can pause syncing temporarily by clicking the OneDrive icon in your taskbar, selecting the gear icon, and choosing 'Pause syncing'. If you want to permanently stop a specific folder from syncing without unlinking your account, open OneDrive Settings, go to 'Sync and backup', click 'Manage backup', and toggle off the specific folder.

Document & File Issues