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How to Stop OneDrive from Backing Up Specific Folders
Question details
The user wants to prevent OneDrive from automatically backing up default system folders like Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, while maintaining synchronization for specific necessary folders.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing OneDrive sync preferences to save cloud storage space or keep local files private from cloud synchronization.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive automatically backs up the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders by default, which the user wishes to halt without losing existing files.
Ensure your OneDrive application is currently running and you are connected to the internet. Note that stopping a backup will leave previously synced files in your OneDrive folder, so you may need to manually move them back to your local PC folders.
Stop Folder Backup via OneDrive Settings
Use the OneDrive application settings to manage which default PC folders are backed up to the cloud.
When you stop backing up a folder, the files that were already backed up remain in your OneDrive cloud storage. The local folder on your PC will no longer sync with the cloud, ensuring new files stay completely private and local.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in your Windows system tray or taskbar. Click on 'Help & Settings' (the gear icon), then select 'Settings' from the menu.
In the Settings window, navigate to the 'Backup' or 'Sync and back up' tab, then click the 'Manage backup' button.
A window will display the folders currently being backed up (Desktop, Documents, Pictures). Click the 'Stop backup' button under the specific folders you no longer want to sync to the cloud.
A confirmation prompt will appear. Confirm your decision to stop the backup. If prompted, choose the option to keep files on this computer to retain your local copies.
Manage Local Documents Easily with WPS Office
If you are taking your documents off the cloud and need a reliable way to manage and edit them locally, WPS Office is an excellent, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office. It provides full compatibility with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without forcing automatic cloud synchronization.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installer and easily set it up on your computer.
- 2. Open Local Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your documents from your local Desktop or Documents folder.
- 3. Save Securely: Edit your files and save them securely on your local hard drive, with complete control over where your data is stored.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my existing files when I stop OneDrive backup?
When you stop a folder's backup, the files that were already backed up remain safely in your OneDrive cloud account. The local folder on your computer will stop syncing and will only display new files you add locally moving forward.
How do I move my files back to my PC after stopping the backup?
Open your OneDrive folder using Windows File Explorer, select the files you want to keep locally, and drag-and-drop or cut-and-paste them back into your PC's standard Desktop, Documents, or Pictures folders.
Can I choose specific subfolders to stop syncing in OneDrive?
The 'Manage backup' feature only applies to the main default folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures). To stop syncing specific subfolders, you need to use the 'Choose folders' option located in the 'Account' tab of your OneDrive settings.
Will stopping the OneDrive backup delete my local files?
No, stopping the backup will not delete your files. It only halts the synchronization process. You will be prompted to choose whether to keep the existing files on your local computer or leave them exclusively in the cloud.
