OneDrive is a cloud storage service that allows you to sync your files across multiple devices and access them from anywhere. It also lets you backup your important folders, such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, to the cloud. This can be useful if you want to access your files from anywhere, or if you want to protect them from accidental loss or damage.
Table of Contents
Introduction
However, there may be times when you want to stop OneDrive folder backup without deleting your files. For example, you may want to free up some space on your OneDrive account, or you may want to switch to a different backup service. This can help you save storage space, bandwidth, or avoid syncing errors.
In this article, we will show you how to stop OneDrive folder backup without deleting files in different scenarios. Whether you want to stop backing up specific folders, files, or file types, or you want to pause or disable OneDrive altogether, we have the solution for you.
How to stop OneDrive folder backup
You can stop OneDrive folder backup without deleting files by following these steps:
Step 1: Click on the OneDrive icon in your system tray.
Step 2: Click on the More three dots (…).
Step 3: Select “Settings” to open OneDrive settings.
Step 4: In the OneDrive settings window, click on the “Backup” tab.
Step 5: Click on Manage Backup button in the “Import PC Folders” section.
Step 6: Click on “Stop backup” under those folders you want to stop backing up.
Step 7: Prior to proceeding, a cautionary message will appear indicating that newly created files and folders will only be accessible on the current computer and will not be available on other devices. To proceed, select the option to “Stop Backup.”
Note: In the event that you have ceased backing up a folder that was previously stored in the cloud and wish to retrieve those files on your device, it will be necessary to manually transfer them from the OneDrive folder to a folder on your computer.
Step 8: Check to see if your files are back in their default locations and no longer in the OneDrive folder.
How to stop OneDrive backup for specific folders
One of the easiest ways to stop OneDrive backup without deleting files is to choose which folders you want to sync with OneDrive. This way, you can keep some folders on your computer only and prevent them from being uploaded to the cloud.
To do this, follow these steps:
Step 1: Click on the OneDrive icon in your system tray.
Step 2: Click on the More three dots (…).
Step 3: Select “Settings” to open OneDrive settings.
Step 4: In the OneDrive settings window, click on the “Account” tab.
Step 5: Click on Choose folders button.
Step 6: Uncheck the folders that you don’t want to sync with OneDrive.
Step 7: Click “OK” to save your changes.
Note: This will only stop OneDrive from backing up new files in those folders. If you have already synced some files in those folders, they will remain in OneDrive unless you delete them manually.
How to stop OneDrive backup for specific files or file types
Another way to stop OneDrive backup without deleting files is to exclude specific files or file types from being synced with OneDrive. This can be useful if you have some large or sensitive files that you don’t want to upload to the cloud.
To do this, follow these steps:
Step 1: Click on the OneDrive icon in your system tray.
Step 2: Click on the More three dots (…).
Step 3: Select “Settings” to open OneDrive settings.
Step 4: In the OneDrive settings window, click on the “Backup” tab.
Step 5: Click on Manage Backup button in the “Import PC Folders” section.
Step 6: Click on Advanced settings and then click on Exclude these files.
Step 7: Enter the file names or extensions that you want to exclude from OneDrive sync.
Step 8: Click “OK” to save your changes.
Note: This will only stop OneDrive from backing up new files that match the criteria. If you have already synced some files that match the criteria, they will remain in OneDrive unless you delete them manually.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you learn how to stop OneDrive backup without deleting files. As you can see, there are different ways to do this depending on your needs and preferences. You can choose which folders, files, or file types you want to sync with OneDrive, or you can pause or disable OneDrive altogether. Remember that stopping OneDrive backup will not delete any files from your computer or from OneDrive unless you do so manually. You can now enjoy using your files on your PC without worrying about syncing them to the cloud.