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How to Stop OneDrive 'For You' from Showing Specific Memories
Question details
The user wants to prevent specific photos, such as images of a deceased pet, from appearing in the OneDrive 'For You' section without having to delete the original files from their storage.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Navigating the OneDrive app or web interface where the 'For You' memory highlights section automatically curates and displays past photos.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive repeatedly surfaces painful or unwanted photo memories, and the platform currently lacks a native setting to exclude specific subjects or permanently disable the 'For You' feature.
Ensure your OneDrive application is updated to the latest version, as Microsoft occasionally rolls out new memory management settings to user accounts.
Submit Feedback to the OneDrive Team
Since there is currently no native setting to permanently disable the 'For You' section or exclude specific photos, reporting this directly to Microsoft is the most effective way to request the feature.
The 'For You' section is algorithmically generated and cannot be permanently disabled in current testing. Submitting direct feedback helps Microsoft prioritize user control over sensitive memories.
Launch the Microsoft OneDrive mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.
Tap on your profile picture or the 'Me' tab located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Scroll down and select 'Help & Feedback' from the available menu options.
Choose 'Report a problem' or 'Suggest a feature', and clearly explain that you need a setting to permanently hide specific memories or disable the 'For You' section without deleting your files.
Move Sensitive Photos Out of the Pictures Folder
A temporary workaround to prevent certain images from being scanned for memories is to move them to a different, less frequently scanned directory or into the Personal Vault.
Switch to WPS Office for a Streamlined Document Experience
If you are frustrated by intrusive algorithmic features in Microsoft services, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, focused environment for your documents without unwanted photo memory curation, while maintaining full compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free suite on your PC or mobile device.
- 2. Sign In to WPS Cloud: Create or log into your account to access secure cloud storage dedicated to your work and documents.
- 3. Manage Files Securely: Upload your files to WPS Cloud, where they are stored safely without intrusive algorithmic memory scanning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I completely turn off the 'On this day' or 'For You' feature in OneDrive?
Microsoft currently does not provide a direct settings toggle to permanently turn off the 'For You' or memory curation features across all platforms, although you can dismiss individual memories manually as they appear.
Will deleting a memory from the 'For You' section delete the actual photo?
No, if you are given the option to hide or dismiss a memory from the 'For You' carousel, doing so does not delete the original file from your OneDrive storage.
Is there a way to exclude a specific person or pet from OneDrive memories?
Unlike some dedicated gallery applications, OneDrive currently lacks advanced facial or subject recognition settings that allow users to actively block or exclude specific subjects from being featured in memories.
