Moving your Desktop folder out of OneDrive involves disabling the PC Folder Backup feature for that specific folder. This ensures your files are stored locally on your computer instead of being synchronized with cloud storage.
Understanding OneDrive PC Folder Backup
OneDrive's PC Folder Backup feature automatically syncs your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to the cloud, making them accessible across your devices and providing an extra layer of backup. However, if you prefer to keep these folders exclusively on your local machine, you can easily disable this sync.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Desktop Backup
Follow these precise steps to move your Desktop folder out of OneDrive and restore its local-only storage:
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Locate OneDrive Icon: Find the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows System Tray, usually located in the bottom-right corner of your screen near the clock. You might need to click the "Show hidden icons" arrow (up arrow) to reveal it.
- Tip: If you can't find it, search for "OneDrive" in the Start Menu and open the app. The icon should then appear in the system tray.
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Access OneDrive Settings: Right-click on the OneDrive cloud icon. This will open a context menu with several options.
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Open Settings Menu: From the context menu, select "Settings". This will open the OneDrive Settings window, which contains various configurations for your OneDrive synchronization.
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Navigate to Backup Tab: In the OneDrive Settings window, click on the "Backup" tab. This tab is specifically designed for managing which PC folders are synchronized with OneDrive.
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Manage Folder Backup: Within the "Backup" tab, locate and click the "Manage backup" button. This will open a new window showing the folders currently being backed up by OneDrive (typically Desktop, Documents, and Pictures).
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Stop Backup for Desktop: In the "Manage folder backup" window, you will see a list of folders. For the "Desktop" folder, click the "Stop backup" button.
- Note: You might see a confirmation prompt asking if you're sure you want to stop backing up this folder. Confirm your decision.
- What happens next: OneDrive will prompt you to choose where to move the files that were previously synced. They will be moved back to their original local location (e.g.,
C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktop). Any new files saved to your Desktop will then reside solely on your PC.
Important Considerations After Stopping Backup
- File Location: After stopping the backup, all files that were in your OneDrive-synced Desktop folder will be moved back to your local
C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktoppath. OneDrive will typically create a shortcut to the previous cloud location if you need to access older files that haven't been moved yet. - New Files: Any new files you save to your Desktop will no longer be uploaded to OneDrive. They will remain exclusively on your computer.
- Cloud Access: Your Desktop files will no longer be accessible from other devices via OneDrive's cloud service.
- Disk Space: This process helps free up space in your OneDrive cloud storage if your Desktop folder was consuming a significant amount.
Summary Table: OneDrive PC Folder Backup Actions
This table summarizes the common actions you can take regarding OneDrive's PC Folder Backup:
| Action | Purpose | Steps Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Stop Backup | Move Desktop/Documents/Pictures out of OneDrive. | Right-click OneDrive icon > Settings > Backup tab > Manage backup > Click "Stop backup" for the desired folder (e.g., Desktop). |
| Start Backup | Begin syncing Desktop/Documents/Pictures to OneDrive. | Right-click OneDrive icon > Settings > Backup tab > Manage backup > Click "Start backup" for the desired folder. |
| Check Sync Status | Verify if folders are syncing correctly. | Look at the OneDrive icon in the system tray (cloud for synced, red X for errors). Open OneDrive app to see sync status of individual files/folders. |
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your Desktop folder's synchronization with OneDrive, ensuring your files reside where you prefer them to be.
