Office Settings & Configuration

How to Stop the OneDrive Backup Banner in Microsoft Office

Bushra Parveen Sep 29, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users want to remove the recurring OneDrive backup banner in Microsoft Office without disabling AutoSave or disconnecting from SharePoint.

How to Stop the OneDrive Backup Banner in Microsoft Office

Product: Microsoft Office, OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Working on documents in Microsoft Office applications and repeatedly encountering a banner prompting the user to back up files to OneDrive.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Office continuously displays a OneDrive backup banner even after OneDrive sync is disabled or the app is removed, and there is no clear setting to disable the banner independently.

Before you start

Before adjusting connected service settings or signing out of your Office account, ensure you have saved a local copy of your current documents to prevent accidental data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Review Office Connected Services and Default Save Settings

While there is no dedicated toggle for the backup banner, configuring your default save locations and reviewing connected services can sometimes minimize the frequency of prompts.

Microsoft currently does not offer an independent setting to turn off the OneDrive backup banner without affecting AutoSave and SharePoint sign-in. However, ensuring your default save location is set to your computer may help reduce unwanted cloud prompts.

Open Save Options

Launch your Microsoft Office application (such as Word or Excel), click on 'File' in the upper-left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Set Default Local Location

Navigate to the 'Save' tab on the left sidebar. Check the box that says 'Save to Computer by default' and verify your 'Default local file location'.

Review Connected Experiences

Go to 'Account' > 'Manage Settings' under Account Privacy. You can review your connected experiences here, but be aware that disabling cloud-connected experiences may turn off AutoSave.

Review Office Connected Services and Default Save Settings

Feature Limitation: If you rely heavily on SharePoint or AutoSave, do not sign out of your account or disable connected experiences entirely, as this will break those functionalities.

Solution 2

Submit Feedback Directly to Microsoft

Since the banner is a hardcoded application behavior, the most effective long-term solution is requesting a dedicated toggle via the official feedback channel.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Distraction-Free Experience

Tired of persistent backup banners and restrictive cloud prompts in Microsoft Office? WPS Office provides a clean, lightweight, and highly compatible workspace without forced cloud integration. Enjoy complete control over how and where your files are saved, completely banner-free.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install WPS Office Free on your computer.
2. Set as Default: Open WPS Office and follow the prompt to set it as your default application for opening documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
3. Work Without Interruptions: Create, edit, and save your documents locally or in the cloud without dealing with forced backup banners.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).No forced OneDrive backup banners or intrusive cloud prompts.Lightweight installation with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface.Save your files locally or to your preferred cloud storage provider seamlessly.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off the OneDrive banner without disabling AutoSave?

Currently, Microsoft Office does not offer a standalone setting to disable the OneDrive backup banner while keeping AutoSave and SharePoint sign-in active.

Why does the backup banner keep appearing even after I uninstalled OneDrive?

Office applications have built-in prompts designed to encourage cloud usage. These prompts trigger independently of the actual OneDrive desktop application's installation status.

Will signing out of my Office account remove the banner?

Signing out may stop the banner from appearing, but it will also disconnect you from SharePoint and disable essential cloud-based features like AutoSave. This is not recommended if you rely on these tools for your workflow.

Office App Problems