OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop OneDrive Sync and Remove Files from a Second Laptop

Camila Milosovich Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to stop OneDrive from syncing files between two laptops and wants to safely remove the files from the second device without deleting them from the primary device or the cloud.

How to Stop OneDrive Sync and Remove Files from a Second Laptop

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Files from a primary laptop are unexpectedly appearing on a newly configured or secondary laptop because both devices are logged into the same Microsoft account.
Observed behavior: OneDrive folder backup and synchronization features are automatically duplicating Desktop, Documents, and Pictures files across all devices sharing the same account.

Before you start

Before changing sync settings or removing any data, verify that your files are securely backed up locally on your primary device, as deleting files directly from an active OneDrive folder will remove them from all synchronized devices.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Folder Backup in OneDrive Settings

Turn off the automatic backup of specific system folders (like Desktop and Documents) to stop them from mirroring on the second laptop.

By default, Windows often enables OneDrive PC folder backup for Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. Disabling this on the second laptop ensures it stops pulling those files from the cloud while keeping them safely stored on your primary device.

Open OneDrive Settings

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

Navigate to Sync and Backup

In the Settings window, click on the Sync and backup tab in the left-hand menu, then select the Manage Backup button.

Turn Off Folder Backup

Toggle the switches off for the folders (such as Desktop, Documents, or Pictures) that you do not want synchronized to this specific laptop.

Confirm Backup Stoppage

When prompted, confirm that you want to stop backing up the folder. OneDrive will ask whether you want to remove the files locally and keep them in OneDrive, or restore them to their original locations in File Explorer.

Disable Folder Backup in OneDrive Settings

Safe File Removal: Once the backup is officially stopped for a folder, deleting local shortcuts or files from that unlinked folder on the second laptop will no longer affect your primary laptop or cloud storage.

Solution 2

Deselect Specific Folders Using 'Choose Folders'

Selectively hide specific OneDrive cloud folders so they are not downloaded or visible on the secondary laptop.

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Manage Documents Effectively with WPS Office

If background syncing issues are complicating your workflow, consider using WPS Office for your document management. It is a lightweight, fully compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that gives you complete manual control over where your documents are saved—locally or in the cloud—preventing unexpected file duplication across devices.

1. Download and Install: Visit the WPS Official Website and download the free WPS Office installer for your laptop.
2. Set Default Save Locations: Open WPS Office settings to configure your preferred local folders for saving documents, avoiding automatic cloud syncing.
3. Open Office Files: Seamlessly open, edit, and save your existing .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files directly from your preferred local storage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting a file from the second laptop also delete it from my main laptop?

Yes. If OneDrive is actively syncing, deleting a file from the OneDrive folder on one device will delete it from the cloud and all other synchronized devices. Always disable folder backup or sync first before removing local files.

Why did files from my main computer automatically appear on my new laptop?

When you sign in to a new Windows device with your Microsoft account, OneDrive often enables 'PC Folder Backup' by default. This automatically connects your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to the cloud, pulling in all previously synced files.

Can I use System Restore to undo the OneDrive synchronization?

System Restore is not recommended for resolving cloud sync issues because it undoes many other system changes, updates, and application installations. Managing settings directly within the OneDrive app is the safest and most effective method.

Document & File Issues