How to Stop OneDrive from Backing Up Your Desktop

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Open OneDrive Settings

   Locate the cloud icon in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar. Click the icon, then select the gear-shaped Settings icon in the top-right corner of the flyout menu.

   Note: If the icon is hidden, click the arrow icon to expand the system tray.
2. 20 sec

   Access Sync and Backup settings

   In the left-hand sidebar of the settings window, select the Sync and backup tab. Locate the Manage backup button in the primary pane.

3. 30 sec

   Toggle off Desktop backup

   A window will appear displaying your current folder backups. Click the toggle switch next to Desktop to set it to Off.

   Note: A warning prompt may appear regarding file accessibility; confirm that you want to stop the sync.
4. 15 sec

   Save changes

   Select the Save changes button at the bottom of the dialogue box. OneDrive will immediately cease syncing the Desktop folder to the cloud.

5. 45 sec

   Move local files back

   After disabling, your desktop files may remain in the OneDrive folder shortcut. Open your local C:\Users\[Username]\Desktop folder and verify your files, or move them from the OneDrive directory back to the primary Desktop folder.

   Note: OneDrive will leave a shortcut titled Where are my files on your desktop to help you locate the previously synced items.