OneDrive: Stop Desktop & Documents Sync

Key insights

• Known Folder Backup: Windows 11 can redirect your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures into OneDrive when folder backup is enabled. You may see green check marks on icons and receive storage-full warnings.
  
• Sync and backup -> Manage backup: Open the OneDrive icon in the system tray, go to Settings, then Sync and backup and choose Manage backup. Turn off backup for the folders you want to keep local and avoid clicking options that say they will delete local files.
  
• What stopping backup does: Turning off backup prevents future folder redirection but does not always move files back to your PC. Manually move files from the OneDrive folder to local folders or choose the Only on my PC option if it appears.
  
• Check and recover: Before you stop syncing, confirm files are fully synced using the Sync status icons, and keep a backup copy. If files go missing, check OneDrive’s Recycle Bin and version history or restore from your backup.
  
• Unlink or uninstall: If you don’t want any OneDrive integration, use Unlink this PC to stop syncing or Uninstall OneDrive to remove the app. Unlinking stops sync without erasing cloud files.
  
• Office save settings: Office apps may still default to cloud saves. Change Office save settings to prefer "This PC" or a local folder if you want all documents kept locally.
  

Keywords

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