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To stop OneDrive backing up a specific Windows 11 folder, open the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area, then go to Help & Settings > Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup. Turn off the folder’s toggle and carefully choose where its existing files should remain. If you need cloud-only files on your PC, download them before changing the setting.
Turn off backup for a folder
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Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area. If it is not visible, check the hidden icons area.
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Open Help & Settings > Settings.
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Select Sync and backup > Manage backup.
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Switch off the folder you no longer want OneDrive to back up.
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Review the location choice and select whether existing files should remain only in OneDrive or only on this PC.
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Microsoft’s OneDrive folder-backup guidance explains this flow at Back up your folders with OneDrive. Labels may vary slightly as Windows or OneDrive changes.
Protect cloud-only files before changing the setting
A file shown in File Explorer may be online-only rather than stored on the PC. Microsoft warns that cloud-only files may not be moved as part of stopping folder backup. Before proceeding, right-click any file you need locally and choose Always keep on this device, then wait for the download to finish. See Microsoft’s Files On-Demand guidance for Windows.
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- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Read the location prompt rather than assuming the action deletes all cloud copies or automatically downloads everything. Your choice determines whether the existing files remain only in OneDrive or only on the PC. After backup is stopped, new files added to that folder on the device will not be backed up by OneDrive.
Choose the right OneDrive control for your goal
| Control | What it changes | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Manage backup | Stops OneDrive folder backup for the selected folder; existing files require a location choice. | When you want that folder no longer backed up. |
| Pause syncing | Temporarily pauses syncing. | When sync is slowing your connection or you need a temporary break. Microsoft describes it as temporary in its OneDrive sync and unlink instructions. |
| Unlink this PC | Stops syncing the OneDrive account on that computer, a broader change than disabling backup for one folder. | When you want to disconnect the account from this PC, not just change one folder’s backup. |
| Choose folders | Controls which existing OneDrive folders sync to a particular computer. An unchecked folder is removed from that PC but remains online. | When you want to control what is synced to this computer. See Microsoft’s Choose folders instructions. |
| Files On-Demand | Controls whether files are downloaded locally or remain online-only; it does not turn folder backup on or off. | When your goal is to save disk space or make selected files available offline. Microsoft explains the feature in its Files On-Demand guidance. |
Find the related controls in Windows Settings
Windows 11 also provides OneDrive folder-sync options under Settings > Accounts > Windows backup. That page covers other backup-related items, including settings and apps. For the direct action of stopping OneDrive backup for a folder, use OneDrive’s Manage backup page. Microsoft describes the Windows page in its Windows Backup guidance.
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- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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