OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop OneDrive from Syncing Specific Documents Subfolders

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent specific subfolders, such as game data and cache folders, inside the Documents directory from syncing to OneDrive, while continuing to sync the rest of the Documents folder.

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing OneDrive folder backup settings to exclude specific unwanted subfolders from syncing to the cloud.
Observed behavior: OneDrive automatically syncs the entire Documents folder during backup and lacks a native feature to exclude individual subfolders from within a backed-up known folder.

Before you start

Before making changes to your folders, ensure that none of the files you intend to move are currently open or actively syncing to avoid sync conflicts or data corruption.

Solution 1Recommended

Move Unwanted Subfolders Outside the OneDrive Directory

Since OneDrive cannot exclude individual subfolders within a backed-up Documents folder, the most effective workaround is to move the specific folders to a non-synced location on your PC.

OneDrive's folder backup feature operates on an all-or-nothing basis for default Windows folders like Documents, Desktop, and Pictures. To prevent specific subfolders from syncing, they must physically reside outside the OneDrive synchronization path.

Open File Explorer

Press Windows Key + E to open File Explorer and navigate to your current Documents folder.

Cut the specific subfolders

Locate the specific subfolders (e.g., game-data, cache) you want to stop syncing. Right-click them and select 'Cut' (or press Ctrl + X).

Navigate to a non-synced location

Go to a location outside of OneDrive's reach, such as directly under your User Profile (C:\Users\YourUsername).

Paste the folders

Right-click in the new location and select 'Paste' (or press Ctrl + V). These folders will no longer be uploaded to OneDrive.

Application Settings: If you are moving game data or application cache folders, you may need to update the settings within the respective application or game so it knows where to find the files in their new location.

Solution 2

Disable the Entire Documents Folder Backup in OneDrive

If moving individual folders isn't feasible and you do not strictly need your Documents folder backed up to the cloud, you can disable the entire Documents backup in OneDrive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I exclude specific subfolders from OneDrive PC folder backup?

No, OneDrive does not currently support excluding specific subfolders when you back up standard Windows known folders like Documents, Desktop, or Pictures. It syncs the entire directory.

Where is the best place to put game data to avoid OneDrive sync?

The best location is usually a newly created folder directly under your Windows user profile (e.g., C:\Users\YourUsername\SavedGames) or on a completely separate drive that OneDrive does not monitor.

What happens to my files when I disable Documents backup in OneDrive?

Disabling the Documents backup stops OneDrive from syncing new files. Your existing files will remain in the OneDrive cloud folder, and you will see a 'Where are my files' shortcut in your local Documents folder to help you manually move them back to your PC.

Will moving my cache folders break my applications?

Moving cache or game data folders might cause applications to fail if they cannot locate the new path. You must update the directory settings within the specific application or game to point to the new non-synced location.

Document & File Issues