OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop OneDrive from Syncing Games and Protect Save Files

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent OneDrive from automatically backing up PC game files and safely remove existing synced copies without losing their local game progress.

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Setting up a new Windows gaming PC and managing automatic cloud backups.
Observed behavior: Game save files and configurations are being automatically backed up to OneDrive, consuming cloud storage and potentially causing sync conflicts with game clients.

Before you start

Before making changes to OneDrive settings, manually copy your game save folders to a separate local drive or your desktop to ensure no progress is accidentally lost during the folder transition.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable OneDrive Backup for the Documents Folder

Stop OneDrive from actively syncing the Documents folder, which is where most Windows games store their save files by default.

By default, Windows 10 and 11 often configure OneDrive to back up your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. Disabling the Documents backup is the most effective way to stop game saves from syncing to the cloud.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in your Windows system tray at the bottom-right corner of the taskbar. Click the gear icon (Help & Settings) and select Settings.

Access Backup Options

Navigate to the Sync and backup tab on the left sidebar, then click on the Manage backup button.

Toggle Off Documents Backup

Find the Documents folder in the list of backed-up folders. Toggle the switch to turn it off, and click Save changes or Stop backup to confirm your choice.

Cloud Sync Stopped: New game saves will no longer upload to the cloud, but existing files will remain in your OneDrive folder until you manually move them.

Solution 2

Restore the Documents Folder to Local Storage

Move your Documents folder out of the OneDrive directory back to its default local Windows path so games can read and write files locally.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Local Documents Efficiently with WPS Office

While adjusting OneDrive settings to protect your game saves, consider taking full control over your productivity files. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and powerful alternative to Microsoft Office that allows you to easily save documents locally by default, entirely independent of forced cloud syncing.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for Windows.
2. Install on Your PC: Run the installer and follow the quick setup wizard to install the suite locally on your computer.
3. Choose Save Locations: Configure WPS Office to save files directly to your preferred local hard drive, avoiding unwanted cloud backups.

Save documents locally by default without mandatory background cloud syncs.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Lightweight installation leaves more disk space and RAM available for PC gaming.Built-in tabbed interface for seamless document multitasking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive automatically sync my PC games?

Many PC games are programmed to store user settings and save files in the Windows 'Documents' folder by default. Because OneDrive often automatically backs up the Documents folder during Windows setup, your game saves get caught up in this automatic cloud sync.

Will deleting files from OneDrive delete my local game saves?

Yes, if OneDrive is currently syncing your Documents folder, deleting files from the cloud or the local OneDrive folder will also delete them from your PC. You must disable the folder backup in settings before attempting to remove any cloud copies.

Can I exclude specific game folders from OneDrive sync?

OneDrive does not currently allow users to exclude specific subfolders within a synced parent folder. If you back up the Documents folder, all game saves inside it will sync. To stop a specific game from syncing, you must stop backing up the entire Documents folder.

How do I restore my game saves if OneDrive accidentally deleted them?

Check the OneDrive Recycle Bin online via your web browser, as well as your local Windows Recycle Bin. If your game save files are there, select them and choose 'Restore' to move them back to their original locations.

Document & File Issues