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Windows 11 saved all my files to one drive...how to change this?

176 views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  Macboatmaster  
#1 ·
Windows 11 saves files to folders on OneDrive by default. If you go to file explorer and choose the folder there should be an option to Always keep on this device which should help your problem. The files will still be under OneDrive but they will only be kept on your drive.
I just had the same thing happen. When I go to explorer, the only folders are on OneDrive. Where did Windows 11 put the folders.
Thanks
 
#2 ·
If you have OneDrive folder backup enable, disable it. Then restore the local folder path:
  • Open File Explorer.
  • Right-click a folder like Documents (under OneDrive).
  • Go to Properties > Locations tab.
  • Click Restore Defaults > Apply.
    • Windows will ask if you want to move files from OneDrive back to the default local path (C:\Users\<YourName>\Documents). Select Yes.
    • Repeat for Desktop, Pictures, Downloads, etc.
 
#3 ·
Hi, penstruck.

In addition to the above:

If you don't want to backup your files to OneDrive, you can do that by taking control of what is syncing.
  • Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar (bottom-right of screen).
  • Select Settings.
  • Go to the Sync and backup (or Backup) tab.
  • Under Manage folder backup, you can choose whether your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders are automatically saved to OneDrive. Toggle them on/off depending on what you want backed up.
 
#6 ·
FWIW onedrive and cortana are the very first things I disable/uninstall when doing a clean install of win11. Next thing is to restore the classic context menu.
The ONLY backup I trust is one I have physical control of said backup. Having a third or fourth backup on the cloud is fine however I would never depend on it for my only backup.
 
#7 ·