How to Stop Files from Saving to OneDrive?

Usually, your files are saved to OneDrive automatically. However, if you are seeing that your OneDrive 5 GB storage is full. It means that Windows redirect desktop, documents, or other folders to the cloud by default. To handle this issue user can

The cause of this issue is due to no clear consent between OneDrive and Windows. Tha make your local files sync online. This makes your storage reach its limits. From this OneDrive setting, users, especially professionals, experience disruptions in their works such as sync delays, file locking issues, and version conflicts.

To stop files from saving to OneDrive, disable the automatic folder backup and choose where your data is stored.

Why Does Windows Forces Files to OneDrive?

Before stopping the saving files, you must know how Windows automatically syncs the files in OneDrive. Windows does not move the files in the cloud on its own. It uses the built-in feature: folder backup.

When a user signs in with a Microsoft account. Windows nudges you subtly to keep your important folders safe by storing it to desktop, documents, and other local folders. When you follow the advice, the folders no longer appear in the local. The original path, for example: C:\Users\YourName\Documents, is re-routed to OneDrive managed location. At the surface level, everything is fine, but in reality, your files are syncing to the cloud by default.

The second reason is that AutoSave forces the files to save to OneDrive. When you enable this function, the local documents open in the Microsoft applications, and if the app is connected to the OneDrive. Then, all the edits or changes will automatically be stored in the cloud. This creates problems like unwanted overwrites, version conflicts, and file locking issues.

So, these two are the reasons your OneDrive storage is gradually full. Now, let’s see how you can tackle it.

Stop Folder Backup for Reducing OneDrive Storage

1. First, open OneDrive cloud from the taskbar. Right-click it.
2. Click on the gear icon to go to the Settings page.
3. Choose the Sync and backup option, and press the Manage backup.
4. Turn off Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to stop the syncing process.

Unlink & Relink your Computer to Stop Files from Saving OneDrive

1. Go to the OneDrive settings, then the Accounts tab.
2. Click the Unlink this PC button and unlink the account.
3. By doing this, your computer disconnect but the files are still in the cloud.
4. To move out your files out of OneDrive, you have to do it manually.

Change Default Save Locations to Not Sync in OneDrive

1. Run a Microsoft Office App, go to the File option.
2. Click on the Options and then the Save button.
3. Disable the Save to Computer by default option.
4. Set your local path: C:\Users\YourName\Documents.
5. You can also use Windows Settings by going through the Settings and then System.
6. Click on the Storage button and the Change where new content is saved option.
7. Then, set defaults to the local drive.

Move Local Files Out of OneDrive Folder

1. In the File Explorer, search your OneDrive folder.
2. Then, move those folders that you want to move to a different location on your local drive.
3. Optionally uninstall OneDrive if you don’t need it. You can do it by going through the Windows Settings, clicking on Apps, and then Apps & features. Choose Microsoft OneDrive and uninstall it.

From these methods, you now stopped files from saving to OneDrive. You regain control over your system, and your local folders will be stored where they are intended. Turning off the OneDrive resolves the forced syncing. But it also affects the file management for mainly professionals.

If Not OneDrive, Then What? – A Professional Issue

Business uses OneDrive for managing their important files. But disabling these users requires using the local setup, which is very risky. Having your work files on your computer can cause permanent data loss. But it is also necessary to stop OneDrive, but it is not a complete solution.

In times like these, Google Drive can be a good choice. OneDrive is tightly wrapped with Windows. Whereas Google Drive does not, unless you install the Google Drive for Desktop.

Transition from OneDrive to Google Drive

If you have decided to change your cloud services. Do you know how to move your files from one platform to another? If not, I have a perfect solution for you. Manual is easy as a cost and procedure. However, many people having problem like missing the original layout or data. SysTools OneDrive to Google Drive Migration Tool can help you transfer your data in a short time. This software is capable of transferring multiple documents with permission.

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Conclusion

This article explains how Windows can affect your OneDrive storage space. In this, I explain the reasons why Windows automatically save their local folders to OneDrive and provide the different ways to stop files from syncing to OneDrive. After disabling the OneDrive, I have discussed what to do for your file management. Lastly, I suggested a software that can help you in transition.