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How to Stop OneDrive from Syncing Desktop Icons Across Computers
Question details
The user needs to prevent OneDrive from synchronizing desktop icons and shortcuts across multiple computers so that each device maintains its own unique desktop layout.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Using the same OneDrive account on multiple computers, such as personal and nonprofit devices, resulting in unwanted desktop syncing.
- Observed behavior
- Enabling OneDrive causes the desktop layouts on several computers to become identical, automatically moving or removing shortcuts across all connected devices.
Before changing your sync settings, keep in mind that turning off desktop backup may temporarily hide your current desktop icons, as Windows will switch back to displaying the local desktop folder rather than the OneDrive cloud folder.
Disable Desktop Backup in OneDrive Settings
Turn off the desktop folder backup feature on each computer to keep their desktop layouts separate and prevent unwanted shortcut syncing.
OneDrive's backup feature is designed to keep your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders safe in the cloud. However, when enabled on multiple computers using the same account, it merges the desktops. Disabling this specific folder backup on each device resolves the issue.
Click on the OneDrive cloud icon located in your system tray or menu bar, click the gear icon in the top right corner, and select 'Settings'.
In the OneDrive settings window, select the 'Sync and backup' tab located in the left sidebar.
Click on the 'Manage backup' button to view all the system folders that are currently being backed up to OneDrive.
Toggle the switch next to 'Desktop' to the off position, then confirm your choice to stop backing up the desktop folder.
Manually Sync Specific Files Using a Dedicated Folder
Instead of relying on automatic desktop backup, create a designated folder within OneDrive to sync only the files you truly need across multiple devices.
Switch to WPS Office for Clutter-Free Cloud Syncing
If managing Microsoft OneDrive settings and unintended desktop syncs becomes frustrating, consider using WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible office suite paired with a flexible cloud service that gives you precise control over exactly what gets synced, ensuring your computer desktops remain completely independent.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Sign In to WPS Cloud: Create or log in to a WPS account to activate your free cloud storage space.
- 3. Sync Documents Manually: Save your important documents directly to WPS Cloud from within the application, keeping your local desktop untouched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my desktop icons disappear after turning off OneDrive backup?
When you stop backing up your desktop, Windows restores your default local desktop folder, which is currently empty. Your previous icons and files are not deleted; they are still safely stored in your OneDrive folder under the 'Desktop' directory. You can manually copy them back to your local desktop.
Can I sync my desktop on one computer but not the other?
Yes. OneDrive backup settings are device-specific. You can enable 'Desktop backup' on your primary personal computer to keep its files in the cloud, while keeping it disabled on your work or nonprofit computer to prevent icons from merging.
Does stopping desktop sync delete my existing cloud files?
No, turning off desktop sync does not delete any files from your OneDrive. It simply stops new files on your local desktop from uploading to the cloud and separates the local folder from the cloud directory.
