How Do I Store Files on My Computer and Not OneDrive?, by Ask Leo! on YouTube. 15 min 54 s.
- Video length
- 15 min 54 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Open File Explorer and look for OneDrive in the left sidebar. Click it to see the folder that OneDrive syncs. Anything inside this folder is managed by OneDrive.
Check the path shown in the address bar. It usually reads C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive. Remember this location so you can avoid saving there.
Create a folder outside OneDrive, such as C:\Users\YourName\Documents\MyFiles, or use your Desktop. Files saved here stay on your computer only.
Open OneDrive settings from the cloud icon in the taskbar and go to the Backup tab. Turn off the folder backup for Desktop, Documents and Pictures if you want those folders to stay local.
In each app, open File then Options or Settings and find the default save location. Change it to your own folder outside OneDrive.
When you save a new file, use Save As and pick your local folder. Check the address bar does not say OneDrive before you click Save.
Move any files you want off OneDrive by dragging them to your local folder in File Explorer. Confirm they still open from the new spot.
Tips and common mistakes
Turning off folder backup can leave existing files in OneDrive, so move them out first.
Watch for the OneDrive cloud icon in the save dialog, which shows a file will sync.
Keep a separate backup of important local files on an external drive.
If a file seems to vanish, search File Explorer for its name to find where it went.
Questions
Will turning off OneDrive backup delete my files?
No. It stops syncing those folders, but files already in OneDrive stay there until you move them. Copy them to a local folder first to be safe.
How can I tell if a file is stored in OneDrive?
Check the file path in File Explorer or the save dialog. If the address includes OneDrive, the file is managed by OneDrive.
Do I need to uninstall OneDrive to keep files local?
No. You can keep OneDrive installed and simply save outside its folder. Uninstalling is optional and not required.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
