How to Turn Off OneDrive Folder Backup for an Old Account
Question details
The user is unable to configure folder backup for a new Microsoft 365 account because the PC folders are still associated with the backup settings of an old OneDrive account.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Switching between Microsoft 365 accounts from different tenants on a single computer.
- Observed behavior
- Folder backup refuses to activate for the new account because the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders are locked to the old OneDrive account's protection.
Make sure you know the login credentials for both your old and new Microsoft 365 accounts, and ensure your PC is connected to a stable internet network before modifying synchronization settings.
Unlink the New Account and Disable Old Backup Protection
Log back into the old account temporarily to toggle off the folder protection settings, which frees up the folders for your new account.
Windows only allows default system folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures) to be backed up to one OneDrive account at a time. If an old tenant account is still protecting these folders, you must manually stop the backup within that specific account's settings.
Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray, select the Gear icon (Settings), go to the Account tab, and click 'Unlink this PC'.
Launch the OneDrive client again and sign in using the credentials of the old Microsoft 365 account that initially backed up your folders.
Open OneDrive Settings, navigate to 'Sync and backup' (or 'Backup'), click 'Manage backup', and toggle off the protection for your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders.
Return to Settings > Account, click 'Unlink this PC', and confirm to completely remove the old account from this device.
Sign in to OneDrive with your new Microsoft 365 account credentials, navigate to 'Manage backup', and toggle on folder protection. Allow the client some time to synchronize all existing files.
Manually Remove the Old OneDrive Sync Folder
If you are unable to unlink the account via normal settings, you can forcibly stop the old synchronization by deleting the local tenant folder.
Simplify Document Management with WPS Office
If managing multiple Microsoft 365 tenants and dealing with OneDrive synchronization conflicts is slowing you down, WPS Office provides a lightweight and hassle-free alternative. It comes with its own secure cloud storage solution tailored to keep your workflow uninterrupted.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free setup file, and complete the installation process on your PC.
- 2. Sign in to WPS Cloud: Open any WPS application, click the 'Sign In' button at the top right, and create or log in to your free account.
- 3. Enable Automatic Backup: Go to 'Settings' > 'Document Cloud' and toggle on auto-backup to secure your working files instantly without configuring local folder protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I directly back up my PC folders to my new OneDrive account?
Windows operating systems only permit core profile folders like Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to be linked to one cloud backup service at a time. The old Microsoft 365 account must release its lock on these folders before a new tenant can take over.
Will I lose my local files when I unlink the old OneDrive account?
No, unlinking an account merely stops the active synchronization between your PC and the cloud. Your files will remain intact locally on your hard drive, as well as on the old account's cloud storage server.
How long does it take for files to appear in my new OneDrive account?
The upload time depends entirely on your internet upload speed and the total size of your files. If you have gigabytes of documents or images, it is normal for the initial upload process to run for over an hour.
