Summary
How can I stop OneDrive from backing up folders on my computer such as Desktop and Documents?
How do I access my "cloud only" files after stopping OneDrive folder backup?
Body
Issue / Question
- How can I stop OneDrive from backing up folders on my computer such as Desktop and Documents?
- How do I access my "cloud only" files after stopping OneDrive folder backup?
Environment
Follow the directions below to stop folder backup in Windows or macOS.
Turn off OneDrive folder backup in Windows
Windows
-
Open OneDrive settings (select the OneDrive cloud icon in your notification area, and then select the Settings gear icon and then 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 you wish to stop backing up contains cloud only files, you will see a message saying your files will remain in your OneDrive
-
When you stop backing up a folder, you can move files from OneDrive to your computer manually by opening the shortcut to OneDrive, selecting the files, and dragging them to the location on your computer. Any new files you add to your computer's folder will not back up to OneDrive.
Turn off OneDrive folder backup in macOS
-
Click the OneDrive cloud icon up in your Menu bar, click 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 your request.
Important:
-
When you stop backing up a folder, the files that were already backed up by OneDrive stay in the OneDrive folder, and will no longer appear in your device folder.
-
In the folder that you stopped backing up, you’ll see an icon titled Where are my files that’s a shortcut to your folders in OneDrive. To access your files, select the icon to open the folder in OneDrive.
-
If you want those files back in your device folder and not in OneDrive, move them manually from the OneDrive folder back to your device folder. Note that any new files you add to that folder on your device won't be backed up by OneDrive after you stop the backup.
-
To move the files, select Where are my files to open the folder in OneDrive, then select the files that you want to move to your device folder, and drag them to that location.
Additional Resources
The article, Back up your folders with OneDrive has more information.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, please contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk