OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop OneDrive from Mixing Desktop Files on Two Windows Computers

Partner Editor Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need to stop their desktop files from being mixed and synced across two different computers.

How to Stop OneDrive from Mixing Desktop Files on Two Windows Computers

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows 10 and Windows 11
Scenario: Two people are using different Windows computers but are seeing each other's desktop files appearing on their screens.
Observed behavior: Desktop files randomly disappear from one computer and appear on the other, resulting in a mixed desktop environment for both users.

Before you start

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar on both computers to verify if the same Microsoft account is logged in. Temporarily pause syncing on both devices before moving any files to prevent automatic deletions during the sorting process.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable OneDrive Desktop Folder Backup

Stop OneDrive from backing up and syncing the Desktop folder, then manually move the files back to their correct locations.

When the Desktop folder backup feature is enabled on multiple computers sharing the same Microsoft account, OneDrive merges all desktop files into one cloud folder. Turning off this backup will restore local control to each desktop.

Open OneDrive Settings

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

Manage Backup Settings

Navigate to the 'Sync and back up' tab in the left menu and click the 'Manage backup' button.

Turn Off Desktop Sync

Locate the 'Desktop' folder in the list and toggle the switch to the off position, then confirm your choice to stop backing up this folder.

Manually Sort Files

Open File Explorer, go to the 'OneDrive > Desktop' folder, and manually drag your personal files back to your local 'This PC > Desktop' location. Delete any files belonging to the other user from your local machine.

File Locations After Disabling Backup: Disabling the backup does not delete your files. They will remain in the OneDrive cloud folder, and you must manually copy them back to your local computer desktop.

Solution 2

Create Separate Windows User Accounts

Set up individual Windows user profiles on shared or linked devices to ensure files and OneDrive accounts remain completely isolated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my desktop files appearing on another computer?

This happens when the same Microsoft account is signed into OneDrive on both computers, and the 'Desktop' folder backup feature is turned on. OneDrive automatically syncs and merges the desktops of all connected devices.

Will turning off OneDrive Desktop backup delete my files?

No. When you stop the backup, your desktop files will remain safe in the OneDrive cloud folder. You will simply need to open your OneDrive folder in File Explorer and drag the files back to your local Desktop.

Can I sync only specific folders instead of the whole Desktop?

Yes. You can turn off the overall Desktop backup in OneDrive settings and instead create a specific sync folder within your OneDrive directory. You can then place only the files you want to share between computers into that designated folder.

Document & File Issues