How to Stop OneDrive from Backing Up Your Desktop

Stop OneDrive from syncing your Desktop folder to the cloud. Follow these steps to restore local-only file management on Windows 11.

1. Open OneDrive Settings. Locate the cloud icon in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar. Click the icon, then select the gear-shaped Settings icon in the top-right corner of the flyout menu.
2. Access Sync and Backup settings. In the left-hand sidebar of the settings window, select the Sync and backup tab. Locate the Manage backup button in the primary pane.
3. Toggle off Desktop backup. A window will appear displaying your current folder backups. Click the toggle switch next to Desktop to set it to Off.
4. Save changes. Select the Save changes button at the bottom of the dialogue box. OneDrive will immediately cease syncing the Desktop folder to the cloud.
5. Move local files back. After disabling, your desktop files may remain in the OneDrive folder shortcut. Open your local C:\Users\[Username]\Desktop folder and verify your files, or move them from the OneDrive directory back to the primary Desktop folder.