Quick Answer: To turn off “Folder Backup” in OneDrive on Windows 11 or 10, click the OneDrive cloud icon on the taskbar >> click the “Gear Icon (Settings)” >> go to “Sync and Backup” and select “Manage Backup”.

  • From there, toggle off the switches for Desktop, Documents, or Pictures and click “Stop Backup” to confirm. Also, your files will remain in the OneDrive folder; you’re required to manually move them back to the local PC folders.

The Folder Backup feature in OneDrive is a native synchronization engine that automatically syncs and saves key computer folders (Desktop, Documents, and Pictures) to the cloud.

Its primary purpose is to protect critical files from hardware loss and ransomware attacks. But sometimes it leads to frustrating situations (which we will discuss in the upcoming section); catalysing users & IT admins to search for: “How to turn off Folder Backup in OneDrive?”

So, if you’re also figuring out how to disable Folder Backup in OneDrive across different platforms, this step-by-step guide will prove super-helpful for you! It shares easy & exact steps required to turn off Folder Backup in OneDrive across Windows 10 & 11, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Let’s get started!

What You’ll Learn Hide
  1. Why Should You Turn Off OneDrive Folder Backup?
  2. How to Turn Off Folder Backup in OneDrive
  3. Why is OneDrive’s “Stop Backup” Button Greyed Out?
  4. OneDrive Sync is Not a Backup Solution
  5. The Best Solution for a Secure OneDrive Backup
  6. Most Searched Queries

Why Should You Turn Off OneDrive Folder Backup?

Undoubtedly, OneDrive’s Folder Backup feature is convenient for multi-device users. But it often leads to deep frustrations, which are as follows:

  • Storage Limits: The Folder Backup feature rapidly consumes the free 5GB tier, leading to constant “OneDrive is full” notifications.
  • Accidental Deletions: OneDrive is a sync tool. So, deleting a file from the desktop removes it from the cloud simultaneously.
  • Performance Lags: Continuously syncing massive files from the Desktop can throttle the bandwidth, resulting in serious performance lags.

Also Explore: How to Create a Folder in OneDrive | Make New Folders Easily

How to Turn Off Folder Backup in OneDrive (Windows 10 & 11, Mac, Android, and iOS)

Turning off folder backup in OneDrive on Windows and Mac is a straightforward process. Whereas the OneDrive app on Android & iOS devices doesn’t back up the “Desktop” or “Documents” folder. It only backs up the camera roll and media files.

So, based on the platform, apply the given steps to turn off folder backup or disable automatic uploads.

Windows 11 & 10:

To disable the folder backup in OneDrive on Windows 10 & 11, execute the following steps:

Step #1: Access OneDrive from the Taskbar

  • Click the “upward-pointing arrow (^)” located on the bottom-right taskbar.
  • Click the “OneDrive Cloud” icon.

Click the “upward-pointing arrow (^)” located on the bottom-right taskbar. Click the “OneDrive cloud icon”.

Step #2: Configure Sync and Backup Settings

  • In the opened OneDrive menu, click the “Gear Icon (Help & Settings” at the top right.
  • Select “Settings”.
  • In the newly opened window, select “Sync and backup” (from the left-hand sidebar).
  • Click the “Manage Backup” button.

In the newly opened window, select “Sync and backup” (from the left-hand sidebar).

Step #3: Toggle Off the Folder

  • A “Manage Folder Backup” window will pop up showcasing current synced folders (Documents, Pictures, Desktop).
  • Click the “blue toggle switches” (next to the folders) to stop syncing for specific folders.

A “Manage Folder Backup” window will pop up showcasing current synced folders (Documents, Pictures, Desktop). Click the “blue toggle switches” (next to the folders) to stop syncing for specific folders.

Step #4: Verify and Move the Files Back

  • Click “Stop Backup” (or Save Changes) to confirm >> close the window.

Important Step: The local Desktop and Documents folders will now appear empty. The files are not deleted; they’re in the OneDrive cloud. To get them back:

  • Open “File Explorer”.
  • Go to the “OneDrive folder” (on the left sidebar).
  • Open the OneDrive Desktop or Documents folder >> cut all the files (Ctrl + X) >> paste them (Ctrl + V) into the local “This PC > Desktop” or “This PC > Documents” folder.

Mac (macOS):

Here are the simple steps to turn off folder backup in OneDrive on Mac (macOS):

Step #1: Access OneDrive from the Menu Bar

  • Click the “OneDrive Cloud ” icon in the Mac’s top menu bar (on the top right, near the Wi-Fi and clock icons).

Click the “OneDrive Cloud ” icon in the Mac’s top menu bar (on the top right, near the Wi-Fi and clock icons).

Step #2: Configure OneDrive Preferences

  • In the opened OneDrive drop-down menu, click the “Gear icon (Help & Settings)”.
  • Select “Preferences (or Settings)”.

Step #3: Open the Backup Manager

  • In the “Preferences” window, go to the “Sync and Backup” tab (or Backup tab).
  • Click the “Manage Backup” button.

Step #4: Disable Folder Backup In OneDrive

  • A “Manage Folder Backup” window will appear displaying Desktop and Documents folders.
  • Click the “blue checkmarks” (or toggle switches) next to the folders to stop syncing preferred folders.

A “Manage Folder Backup” window will appear displaying Desktop and Documents folders. Click the “blue checkmarks” (or toggle switches) next to the folders to stop syncing preferred folders.

Step #5: Confirm and Retrieve the Files

  • Click “Stop Backup” to finalize the changes >> close the window.

The Mac’s local Desktop and Documents folders might seem empty. This is because the files are located in the “OneDrive Cloud” folder. To restore them:

  • Open a new bwindow.
  • Under “Locations” (or Favourites), click on “OneDrive”.
  • Open the Desktop or Documents folder inside “OneDrive”.
  • Select all the files, copy them (Cmd + C) >> paste them (Cmd + V) back into the Mac’s local Desktop or Documents folder.

Once they are securely copied, delete the cloud copies from the OneDrive folder to free up space.

Android:

The Android version of OneDrive doesn’t back up the “Desktop” or “Documents” folder; unlike Windows or Mac. But the OneDrive app on Android automatically uploads the camera roll (photos and videos). Including specific folders like Whatsapp images or screenshots. To disable it, apply the following instructions:

Step #1: Open the “Me” Profile Menu

  • Open “OneDrive” on the Android device.
  • Tap on the “Me” icon in the bottom right corner.

Open “OneDrive” on the Android device. Tap on the “Me” icon in the bottom right corner.

Step #2: Access Settings

  • Once the “Me” tab is tapped, the account profile menu will slide into view.
  • Tap on “Settings” (gear icon) from the list of options.

Step #3: Open Camera Upload Settings

  • In the Settings menu, tap the “Camera Upload” option under the Options or Backup section.

Step #4: Toggle Off the Backup

  • Once arrived in the main backup control center, tap the “Camera Upload” off.

  • Pro-Tip: To stop specific folders from syncing, leave the master toggle on. Scroll down to “Additional folders” or “Categorize folder”.

iOS (iPhone or iPad)

Similar to Android, the OneDrive app on iOS devices (iPhone or iPad) does not sync Desktop or Documents folders. Instead, it backs up the iOS camera roll. So, if you want to disable the automatic photo and video backup, follow the simple steps given below:

Step #1: Launch the “OneDrive” App and Tap the “Profile”

  • Open the “OneDrive” app on iPhone or iPad.
  • Tap “Profile picture” (at the top-left corner of the screen).

Step #2: Access App Settings

  • When the profile menu slides out from the left side of the screen, tap on “Settings” (gear icon).

Step #3: Open Camera Upload Settings

  • In the Settings menu, tap on “Camera Upload” (under the “Features” or general options list).

In the Settings menu, tap on “Camera Upload” (under the “Features” or general options list).

Step #4: Turn Off the Backup

  • Tap the “Camera Upload” toggle switch to turn off (grey button).

Tap the “Camera Upload” toggle switch to turn off (grey button).

  • Once toggled off, OneDrive will instantly stop syncing new photos and videos from the Apple Photos app to the cloud.

Why is OneDrive’s “Stop Backup” Button Greyed Out?

OneDrive’s “Stop backup” button is greyed out typically occurs when “Known Folder Move” is enabled, OneDrive is syncing a large file, or due to Personal Vault Restrictions or Sync Errors.

#1: Enforced “Known Folder Move”

IT administrators often utilize Microsoft Intune or Group Policy Objects (GPO) to force a feature called “Known Folder Move”.

They enable this policy called “Prevent users from redirecting their Windows known folder to their PC” to make sure local Desktop and Documents are securely synced to the cloud.

In simple words, they grey out the “Stop Backup” button deliberately to remove the ability to opt out.

How to Fix: If you’re a user, request your IT administrator to disable it. And if you’re an enterprise administrator, here’s how you can disable “Know Folder Move” via Group Policy:

  • Open the Microsoft Group Reference Policy settings from OneDrive.
  • Find the policy labelled “Prevent users from moving their Windows known folders to OneDrive”.
  • Set the policy to “Enabled” or “No” to redirect the known folders to the local device.

#2: OneDrive is Actively Syncing a Large File

If OneDrive is actively syncing a large file (heavy synchronization process) between the local drive and the Microsoft servers, the “Stop Backup” button in OneDrive will temporarily grey out.

How to Fix: Click the “OneDrive” icon in the taskbar to view the activity center. If a file appears to be uploading or downloading, wait until it is completed. And if the sync is frozen or stuck, click the “Gear” icon >> select “Pause syncing” (choose 2 hours) and then attempt to access the “Manage backup” menu again.

#3: Personal Vault Restrictions or Sync Errors

OneDrive’s “stop button” greyed-out issue can also occur if the Personal Vault is unlocked and local files were moved into it. Also, if OneDrive is currently displaying a red “X” sync error for a particular file on the desktop, the backup controls can lock down to prevent data corruption.

How to Fix: Make certain that the Personal Vault is locked. Next, open the local Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. Now, look for any files with a red “X” icon next to them. Simply move that specific file out of the folder to re-enable the “Stop Backup” button.

OneDrive Sync is Not a Backup Solution: The Brutal Truth

Undeniably, OneDrive is a robust synchronization engine, ideal for multi-device users. But it is not a true backup solution. But how?

See, OneDrive is known for its excellent ability to sync data instantly. So, if ransomware encrypts the local desktop, OneDrive will immediately sync those encrypted files to the cloud. Resulting in overwriting the clean data.

Hence, treating OneDrive as a backup solution or relying entirely on OneDrive’s folder leaves critical enterprise data to accidental deletions, malicious insiders, and retention policy gaps.

So, what is the solution? IT experts advocate for a true, compliance-ready disaster recovery strategy using a professional, corporate-grade backup utility.

So, what’s the best OneDrive backup tool for businesses? Enterprise administrators and seasoned OneDrive users advocate for SysTools Advanced Backup tool. Let’s learn more about this leading backup software!

The Best Solution for a Secure OneDrive Backup: SysTools Office 365 Backup & Restore Tool

SysTools Office 365 Backup & Restore Tool is an industry-standard, professional Office 365 backup utility. This enterprise-ready tool excels in providing an isolated, secure, and automated backup mechanism for the entire Microsoft 365 tenant.

But how it outperform native sync and emerge as the best solution for a secure OneDrive backup?

  • True Point-in-Time Recovery: Can retrieve emails, documents, and contacts from specific dates prior to ransomware or accidental deletion.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Apart from OneDrive, back up Exchange Online emails, contacts, calendars, and documents. Including Shared mailboxes and In-Place Archive mailboxes.
  • High-Quantity Backups: Allows downloading Microsoft 365 Outlook mailboxes in bulk.
  • Local or Cloud Storage: Preserves complete sovereignty over the data by backing it up to the desired local servers or independent cloud storage.
  • Automated Delta Backups: Operates quietly in the background without draining end-user PC resources or bandwidth.
  • OS Compatibility: It is available and compatible with Windows and Mac OS versions.

So, turn off the consumer-grade folder sync and secure your tenant with SysTools.

People Also Find Helpful:

Most Searched Queries

Q.1 Does turning off OneDrive backup delete my files?

Absolutely not! Turning off OneDrive backup only breaks the connection between the local PC folder and the cloud. The existing files remain secure in the OneDrive folder. However, they need to be moved manually back to the local PC to store them locally.

Q.2 How do I stop OneDrive from syncing everything on my Mac?

To stop OneDrive from syncing everything on Mac, click on the OneDrive icon (in the menu bar) >> select the “Gear” icon >> click “Preferences” >> select the “Backup” tab>> click “Manage Backup”.
Finally, uncheck the folders that are no longer required to sync and confirm.

Q.3 How to turn off OneDrive completely in Windows 11?

To turn off OneDrive completely and instantly in Windows 11. go to OneDrive Settings >> click “Account” >> click “Unlink this PC”. Doing this will sign you out of OneDrive and instantly stop all syncing. Optionally, uninstall the OneDrive app from Windows settings >> Apps.

Q.4 Why is OneDrive backing up my files without permissions?

Sometimes users hastily click “Next” through the Windows 11/10 setup process and opt into this feature automatically, unknowingly.