OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop OneDrive Prompts to Back Up Files After Windows Updates

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to stop OneDrive from continuously prompting to back up known local folders after Windows updates to prevent files from multiple PCs from merging.

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Navigating recurring OneDrive prompts to enable Known Folder Backup triggered by recent Windows OS updates.
Observed behavior: Windows updates trigger notifications prompting users to back up local folders like Documents, which inadvertently combines machine-specific files across different computers via OneDrive.

Before you start

Before modifying your OneDrive settings, log in to your OneDrive account online to verify your current file structure and ensure no active document changes are pending upload.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Known Folder Backup in OneDrive Settings

Turn off the backup feature for specific local folders to prevent OneDrive from combining files across multiple PCs.

OneDrive file synchronization and Known Folder Backup are distinct features. While synchronization mirrors cloud files to your local drive, Known Folder Backup automatically moves your PC's Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders into OneDrive. Disabling this stops the unwanted merging of machine-specific files.

Open OneDrive Settings

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

Access Backup Settings

Navigate to the 'Sync and back up' tab in the left-hand menu, then click on the 'Manage backup' button.

Toggle Off Folder Backups

Turn off the toggle switches for the folders you wish to keep strictly local to this machine (such as Documents or Desktop).

Confirm Your Choice

When prompted, confirm that you want to stop backing up these folders. Your files will stop uploading automatically to the cloud.

File Locations After Disabling Backup: Files already backed up will remain in your OneDrive folder. You will see a shortcut in your local folder directing you to the cloud files, but new files saved locally will no longer upload automatically.

Solution 2

Choose Specific OneDrive Folders to Sync

Specify exactly which OneDrive cloud folders should be visible and available locally on your computer.

Solution 3

Unlink and Reset OneDrive to Stop Persistent Prompts

If OneDrive continues to send backup prompts despite changing your preferences, unlinking your account or resetting the application can clear stuck configurations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between OneDrive sync and Known Folder Backup?

Synchronization mirrors your chosen OneDrive cloud files onto your local drive and vice versa. Known Folder Backup redirects standard Windows folders (like Desktop, Documents, and Pictures) directly into OneDrive, meaning files saved there automatically go to the cloud.

Why does Windows keep asking me to back up my files after an update?

Microsoft frequently promotes its cloud services through Windows updates. These updates can trigger 'out-of-box experience' screens or notifications encouraging users to enable Known Folder Backup to ensure files are saved to OneDrive.

Will turning off OneDrive backup delete my local files?

No. When you stop backing up a folder, files already in OneDrive stay in the cloud, and you will see a 'Where are my files?' shortcut in your local folder. Any new files you create will stay safely on your local hard drive.

Can I have different OneDrive backup settings for different computers?

Yes. Backup settings are machine-specific. You can choose to back up the Documents folder on your laptop while keeping the Documents folder on your desktop completely separate and un-synced.

Document & File Issues