A Microsoft file hosting and synchronization service.
To stop new files from automatically going to OneDrive and keep them on the PC instead:
- Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Sync and backup > Manage backup.
- For folders such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, select Stop backup.
- When prompted, choose Keep files on this PC or Move content back to your PC.
This stops OneDrive folder backup so those folders are managed locally again instead of filling OneDrive storage.
If OneDrive is still connected after that:
- Open the OneDrive cloud icon > Settings.
- Go to the Account tab.
- Select Unlink this PC > Unlink account.
If files are already inside the OneDrive folder, move them from the OneDrive folder in File Explorer to folders outside OneDrive. Files moved out of OneDrive are no longer backed up there. Be careful when moving files so they are not dropped into the wrong location.
If OneDrive storage is already full, OneDrive can become read-only for existing files and new uploads or syncs will stop until files are deleted or storage is reduced. To free cloud space:
- Sign in to OneDrive and review what is using space: View files
- Empty the OneDrive Recycle Bin: Open your OneDrive Recycle bin
- Remove large files, ZIP files, or unwanted photos and videos that are no longer needed.
If local disk space is the issue instead of cloud space, OneDrive Files On-Demand and Storage Sense can help keep files online-only so they do not take up space on the computer.
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