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Will Resetting a PC Delete OneDrive Files? How to Protect Data
Question details
The user needs to know if performing a Windows PC reset will result in the loss of files stored in Microsoft OneDrive, and how to safely prepare the PC to protect cloud data.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Preparing to perform a factory reset or system reset on a Windows computer while relying on OneDrive for file storage.
- Observed behavior
- Cloud files remain safe and unaffected by the PC reset as long as the computer is properly unlinked from the OneDrive account beforehand.
Ensure your computer is connected to the internet and check your OneDrive taskbar icon to verify that all pending file syncs are 100% complete.
Unlink Your PC from OneDrive Before Resetting
Disconnecting your OneDrive account from the computer prevents the Windows reset process from affecting your cloud-stored data.
Resetting Windows can remove local files depending on the reset options you choose. However, files stored in the cloud will not be lost if you properly disconnect your computer from OneDrive prior to starting the reset.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Windows taskbar notification area, click the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, and select 'Settings' from the menu.
In the OneDrive Settings window, click on the 'Account' tab located in the left sidebar or top navigation menu.
Click on the 'Unlink this PC' link under your account information. A confirmation dialog will appear; click 'Unlink account' to safely disconnect.
You can now safely proceed with your Windows PC reset. Do not sign back into OneDrive on this device until the system reset is completely finished.
Set Up Your Freshly Reset PC with WPS Office
After resetting your PC, you will need a reliable and fast office suite to get back to work. WPS Office is a lightweight, completely free alternative to Microsoft Office that installs quickly and includes its own secure cloud storage.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and click the download button to get the latest version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install on Your Reset PC: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the suite.
- 3. Sign In and Sync: Log in with your account to access your free WPS Cloud storage and instantly resume working on your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I forget to unlink OneDrive before resetting my PC?
If you choose to 'Remove everything' during a Windows reset, local OneDrive files will be wiped from the hard drive, but the copies stored in the cloud will remain safe. However, unlinking is highly recommended to avoid any accidental sync conflicts.
How do I get my OneDrive files back after the reset is complete?
Once your PC finishes resetting and you are back on the Windows desktop, simply open the OneDrive app, sign in with your Microsoft account credentials, and your files will become accessible in File Explorer again.
Will 'Keep my files' during a Windows reset keep my local OneDrive files?
Selecting 'Keep my files' generally preserves files stored in your personal user folders, including locally synced OneDrive files. Nonetheless, disconnecting OneDrive beforehand remains the safest practice.
Are files marked as 'Free up space' deleted during a PC reset?
No. Files set as online-only (indicated by a cloud icon) are already removed from your local device's storage and exist solely in the cloud. A PC reset will not affect them.
