OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop OneDrive Sync Without Deleting Local Files

WPS Editor Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to stop OneDrive synchronization for Desktop, Documents, and Pictures without having the local files automatically removed and replaced with shortcuts.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Stopping OneDrive folder backup and synchronization.
Observed behavior: When synchronization is stopped, files marked as always available on the PC are removed from local Windows folders, leaving only OneDrive shortcuts behind.

Before you start

Verify that you have enough free local hard drive space to store the downloaded files, and do not immediately delete any files from the OneDrive folder until you have confirmed they are safely copied to your local directories.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Folder Backup and Restore Local Files

To stop synchronization without losing data, you must manually copy your necessary files locally first, and then properly disable the OneDrive PC folder backup feature.

When OneDrive folder backup is enabled, Windows redirects your standard Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders into the OneDrive directory. Simply unlinking or pausing sync will revert these folders to their default empty states in your local user profile, making it seem like your files were deleted. They are still safe in OneDrive, but you need to manually move them back.

Download or copy files locally

Open your OneDrive folder in File Explorer. Select all the files and folders you want to keep from Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, right-click, and select 'Copy'. Paste them into a temporary local folder on your C: drive outside of OneDrive.

Open OneDrive settings

Click the blue or white OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar system tray. Click the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, then select 'Settings' from the menu.

Access backup settings

In the OneDrive Settings window, navigate to the 'Sync and back up' tab on the left panel, then click the 'Manage back up' button.

Stop folder backup

Toggle off the switches for Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. A confirmation dialog will appear; click 'Stop backup' to confirm you no longer want these folders managed by OneDrive.

Restore files to default folders

Once the backup is disabled, Windows will restore your default local Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. Move the files you copied in Step 1 into these newly restored local folders.

Disable Folder Backup and Restore Local Files

Files Restored: Your files are now stored exclusively on your local hard drive and are no longer affected by OneDrive synchronization statuses.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Take Control of Your Local Files with WPS Office

If you prefer keeping your documents strictly on your local hard drive without dealing with forced cloud synchronization and disappearing files, switch to WPS Office. It provides a familiar, offline-first environment while maintaining perfect compatibility with all your existing Microsoft Office files.

1. Download and install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installer and complete the setup on your Windows PC.
2. Open your existing files: Launch WPS Office and simply drag and drop your local DOCX, XLSX, or PPTX files into the workspace to start editing.
3. Save locally by default: Click 'Menu' and select 'Save As'. Choose 'Local Path' to ensure your documents remain strictly on your hard drive, completely independent of cloud sync.

100% compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Save documents directly to your local PC without forced cloud uploads.Lightweight design that runs smoothly on all Windows systems.Completely free to use with an intuitive, familiar tabbed interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my files disappear when I turned off OneDrive sync?

When OneDrive PC folder backup is active, it physically moves your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures into the OneDrive directory. Stopping the sync unlinks these folders, causing Windows to display the default empty local folders instead, while your actual files remain safely in the OneDrive directory.

Where are my files located after stopping folder backup?

Your files are not deleted. They remain in the cloud and in your local OneDrive folder, typically located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\OneDrive. You will find a shortcut titled 'Where are my files?' on your desktop that links directly to them.

How do I ensure files are available offline in OneDrive?

Open File Explorer, right-click the file or folder within your OneDrive directory, and select 'Always keep on this device'. A solid green checkmark indicates the file is fully downloaded and accessible without an internet connection.

Can I use WPS Office without any cloud sync enabled?

Yes. WPS Office defaults to saving files locally on your computer. While WPS offers its own cloud service for convenience, it is completely optional and will not automatically move or sync your local Desktop or Documents folders.

Document & File Issues