How to Stop Onedrive Backup in Windows 10

Author: Sam | Guide: OneDrive |

Are you tired of OneDrive constantly syncing and backing up your files in Windows 10? It's time to take back control of your storage and prioritize your privacy. In this blog post, we'll show you how to stop OneDrive backup in Windows 10, giving you the freedom to choose what gets synced and when. Say goodbye to unwanted backups and regain control over your files with these simple steps. Let's dive in!

Stop Onedrive Backup in Windows 10: 5 Steps

Step-1 One This pc - You can quickly open "This PC" by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.

  • Alternatively, you can click on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar and select "This PC" from the left sidebar.
Image title Stop Onedrive Backup in Windows 10 step 1

Step-2 Click right on “Onedrive” & left on “Settings” - Locate the OneDrive icon in the system tray, usually found in the bottom-right corner of the screen. If you don't see it, click on the upward arrow to reveal hidden icons.

  • Right-click on the OneDrive icon and select "Settings" from the context menu that appears.
Image title Stop Onedrive Backup in Windows 10 step 2

Step-3 Go to “Backup” & Click “Manage backup” - In the OneDrive settings window, switch to the "Backup" tab located at the top.

  • If you don't see the "Backup" tab, make sure you're using the latest version of OneDrive or update it from the Microsoft Store.
Image title Stop Onedrive Backup in Windows 10 step 3

Step-4 Click "Stop backup" - Under the "Backup" tab, you will find the "Manage backup" button. Click on it to proceed.

  • If you have multiple folders backed up, you will see a list of all the folders with a status indicator next to each.
Image title Stop Onedrive Backup in Windows 10 step 4

Step-5 Click "Stop backup" - Find the folder you want to stop backing up and click on the associated "Stop backup" button.

  • If you want to stop backing up all folders, click on the "Stop backup" button at the top-right corner of the "Manage backup" window.
Image title Stop Onedrive Backup in Windows 10 step 5

Stopping OneDrive backup in Windows 10 gives you control over which files are synced and backed up, providing greater privacy and flexibility. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily stop specific folders or disable the backup altogether. Take charge of your storage and streamline your file syncing experience with OneDrive.

Tips

  • Customize Your Backup Selection: You can choose specific folders to back up or exclude from backup according to your preferences. Simply select or deselect the folders under the "Manage backup" section.
  • Revisit Backup Settings Regularly: As you add or remove files and folders, it's a good practice to review your backup settings periodically to ensure they align with your current needs.
  • Utilize Files On-Demand Feature: OneDrive offers a Files On-Demand feature that allows you to access your files without downloading them. This can help save local storage space while still having your files available online.

FAQ

Will stopping OneDrive backup delete my files?

No, stopping the backup will only prevent new files from being synced and backed up. Your existing files will remain intact.

Can I resume the backup later?

Yes, you can easily resume the backup process by following the same steps and selecting the folders you want to back up.

Can I stop backup for specific files or file types?

Currently, OneDrive only allows you to stop backup on a per-folder basis. You cannot selectively exclude specific files or file types.

Does stopping backup affect file sharing or collaboration?

No, stopping backup does not affect file sharing or collaboration features in OneDrive. You can still share and collaborate on files as usual.

Can I stop backup temporarily and resume it later?

Yes, you can stop backup temporarily by following the steps mentioned and then resume it whenever you're ready.

Will stopping backup free up local storage space?

Stopping backup prevents new files from being synced, but it doesn't automatically delete local copies of previously synced files. You may need to manually delete files to

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