Files save to OneDrive by default in Windows (2024)

FAQs

How to stop files from saving to OneDrive by default? ›

In Windows 10, OneDrive is the default save location for your files and documents. This means new documents or files are automatically saved to OneDrive unless you opt to save them to a different location on your PC. Learn more about how files save to OneDrive by default in Windows 10.

Very important - click on "Manage Backup" button, then turn off all folders listed there. Restart the computer. If you still want to use OneDrive you can stop here.

If you want to turn AutoSave off, by default, for all files, go to File > Options > Save and uncheck the box next to AutoSave OneDrive and SharePoint Online files by default on <application>.

To stop the automatic sync of the photos and files you have to disable the backup feature on OneDrive. Right-click the OneDrive icon on the taskbar > Settings > Manage Backup. Turn off all the options.

OneDrive has the ability to back up the items on the desktop. If you add a file to your desktop on one computer, it will appear on the desktop of your other computers. The best practice is to keep your Desktop clean, organized, and free of private information.

I suggest that you create a new folder in the root directory of the C: drive (Call it LocalDocuments, though that is not mandatory) and select that folder when you use File>SaveAs to save a file to somewhere other than OneDrive.

How do I unsync files from OneDrive? ›

Open OneDrive settings (select the OneDrive cloud icon in your notification area, and then select the OneDrive Help and Settings icon then Settings.) Go to the Account tab. Select Choose folders. In the Choose Folders dialog box, uncheck any folders you don't want to sync to your computer and select OK.

Does deleting from OneDrive delete from the computer? Deleting files from OneDrive can also delete files on your computer. If you don't want to delete files from your device, you can choose to move files outside the OneDrive folder to a different folder on your computer's hard drive.

Go to the OneDrive cloud icon on the taskbar > Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup and turn OFF the syncing of your folders. That will stop folders from backing up to OneDrive.

The OneDrive app built in to Windows synchronizes your files between your computer and OneDrive so they're backed up, protected, and available on any device. Tip: You can use Files On-Demand to free up space or to make sure files or folders are always available on your device, even when you're offline.

If you want to disable personal OneDrive, please click that white OneDrive go to OneDrive settings > Account tab > Unlink this PC. (Please note, no data will be lost by unlinking your OneDrive.)

You can set the local drive as the default for Office files. Start Word, for example, and click File > Options > Save. Select the "Save to Computer by default" option and specify a "Default local file location." If you never want to save in OneDrive, you should be able to unlink your PC.