'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Why OneDrive Restores Files Deleted from Desktop & How to Fix It
Question details
Users need to understand why deleted files keep reappearing on their Windows Desktop and how to stop this automatic restoration.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to permanently delete files from the Windows Desktop while OneDrive's known folder backup feature is active.
- Observed behavior
- Files deleted from the Windows Desktop are automatically restored and reappear on the screen due to active OneDrive synchronization.
Before modifying your synchronization settings, ensure you have a local backup of any important files currently on your Desktop, as disabling folder backups will change where these files are stored by default.
Stop Backing Up the Desktop Folder in OneDrive
Disable the synchronization for the Desktop folder entirely to prevent OneDrive from restoring deleted desktop files.
OneDrive synchronizes protected known folders such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures as complete directories. You cannot exclude individual files from these folders. To stop deleted files from returning to your Desktop, you must disable the backup for the entire Desktop folder.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows taskbar notification area, select the Gear icon (Help & Settings), and click on 'Settings'.
In the Settings window, navigate to the 'Sync and backup' tab located on the left sidebar.
Click the 'Manage backup' button to view the folders currently being synchronized to your OneDrive account.
Toggle off the switch next to the 'Desktop' folder and confirm your choice to stop backing up the folder.
Unlink and Relink Your OneDrive Account
Reset the connection between your PC and OneDrive if files continue to reappear due to a stuck synchronization state.
Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
Tired of confusing cloud synchronization settings that keep restoring deleted files? WPS Office offers a lightweight and intuitive alternative to Microsoft Office. With robust local file management and easily configurable built-in cloud storage, you have total control over what gets backed up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop OneDrive from syncing specific files on my Desktop?
No, when OneDrive folder backup is active, it synchronizes the entire Desktop folder. It does not support excluding individual files or subfolders. You must either sync the entire Desktop or disable the backup completely.
Why did my desktop icons disappear after stopping OneDrive backup?
When you stop backing up the Desktop, Windows reverts to showing your local Desktop folder. The files that were previously synced remain in the OneDrive folder online and locally. You can easily retrieve them using the 'Where are my files?' shortcut that OneDrive creates on your screen.
How do I permanently delete files from OneDrive?
To permanently delete a file, delete it from your local OneDrive folder or the OneDrive website. Then, log into the OneDrive website in your browser, navigate to the 'Recycle bin' on the left menu, and empty it to ensure the files cannot be restored.
