How to turn OFF the OneDrive Folder Backup in Windows 11

Windows 11 comes pre-configured with OneDrive by default, which allows a user to access their files with ease from the cloud when using File Explorer.

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Recently, Microsoft expanded the feature that automatically backs up files in some of the user’s folders to the cloud by default.

While this may seem like a good idea for some, others may not like this feature, or even know about it (until now).

How to disable auto-backup to One Drive:

1. Click the OneDrive icon on the Taskbar.
2. Click the Cog wheel at the top of the OneDrive panel.
3. Choose Settings.
4. Click the Backup Tab.
5. Click Manage Backup (or Sync and Backup for newer versions).
6. Under each Folder, click Stop Backup (for newer versions, click OFF).
7. Click Stop Backup again to confirm your choices.
8. Close the window.
9. That’s it. 

Please Note:

When you stop backing up your folders, any backed up files in them will disappear from the respective local folder. Instead, you can find them in the Desktop, Pictures, and Documents folders in your OneDrive storage. You can copy or move them back to the local folders if you need them.

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Dan Uff

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