Questions
- How do I stop OneDrive from backing up folders such as Desktop and Documents?
- How do I turn off OneDrive folder backup?
- How do I access my cloud-only files after stopping OneDrive folder backup?
- Where are my files after I stop OneDrive folder backup?
- How do I turn off folder backup in OneDrive on Windows?
- How do I turn off folder backup in OneDrive on macOS?
Environment
This article applies to anyone using the Microsoft OneDrive sync client on a Windows or macOS computer with a Bowdoin account. Follow the directions below to stop folder backup in Windows or macOS.
Resolution
Turn off folder backup in OneDrive on Windows
- Open OneDrive settings: select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area, select the Settings gear icon, and then select Settings.
- Go to the Sync and backup tab.
- Select Manage backup.
- To stop backing up a folder, select the toggle for the folder to turn it off.
Notes:
- If the folder being stopped contains cloud-only files, a message appears saying the files will remain in OneDrive.
- After a folder stops backing up, files can be moved from OneDrive to the computer manually by opening the shortcut to OneDrive, selecting the files, and dragging them to the location on the computer. Any new files added to the computer's folder will not back up to OneDrive.
Turn off folder backup in OneDrive on macOS
- Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the menu bar, select the Settings gear to open the menu, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Backup tab.
- Select Manage backup.
- To stop backing up a folder, select Stop backup, and confirm the request.
Important:
- When a folder stops backing up, the files that were already backed up by OneDrive stay in the OneDrive folder and no longer appear in the device folder.
- In the folder that stopped backing up, a shortcut icon titled Where are my files points to the folders in OneDrive. To access the files, select the icon to open the folder in OneDrive.
- To return files to the device folder instead of OneDrive, move them manually from the OneDrive folder back to the device folder. Any new files added to that folder on the device will not be backed up by OneDrive after the backup stops.
- To move the files, select Where are my files to open the folder in OneDrive, select the files to move to the device folder, and drag them to that location.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources