How To Stop Computer From Backing Up To Onedrive

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by

Vector Linux
in

Have you ever felt frustrated when your computer automatically backs up files to OneDrive? I have certainly experienced this frustration myself! It can be bothersome and time-consuming, especially if you prefer to use different cloud storage services or if you do not want your files to be automatically synced to the cloud. In this article, I will walk you through the steps of preventing your computer from backing up to OneDrive, empowering you to manage your files as you please.

Step 1: Sign out of OneDrive

The first step in stopping your computer from backing up to OneDrive is to sign out of your OneDrive account. To do this:

  1. Click on the OneDrive icon in your system tray (usually located in the bottom-right corner of your screen).
  2. Click on the three dots (…) in the top right corner of the OneDrive window.
  3. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
  4. In the Settings tab, click on the “Account” tab.
  5. Click on “Unlink this PC” or “Sign out”.

By signing out of OneDrive, you are disconnecting your computer from your OneDrive account, preventing any further backups from occurring.

Step 2: Disable OneDrive Startup

To ensure that OneDrive doesn’t start up automatically every time you boot up your computer, you can disable it from the startup programs. Here’s how:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. In the Task Manager, click on the “Startup” tab.
  3. Locate “Microsoft OneDrive” in the list of startup programs.
  4. Right-click on “Microsoft OneDrive” and select “Disable”.

Disabling OneDrive from startup will prevent it from automatically syncing your files to the cloud every time you start your computer.

Step 3: Exclude Folders from OneDrive

If you want to prevent specific folders from being backed up to OneDrive, you can exclude them from the syncing process. Here’s how:

  1. Right-click on the OneDrive icon in your system tray.
  2. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
  3. In the Settings tab, click on the “AutoSave” tab.
  4. Under “Files and Photos”, click on “Update folders” or “Choose folders”.
  5. Uncheck the folders that you want to exclude from syncing with OneDrive.
  6. Click on “OK” to save the changes.

By excluding folders from OneDrive, you have control over which folders are synced to the cloud and which are not.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively stop your computer from backing up to OneDrive. Whether you prefer to use other cloud storage services or simply want more control over your files, these methods will give you the freedom to choose how and where your files are stored. Take control of your backups and say goodbye to the frustration of automatic syncing!