Going to an error with poor internet connections

Question

Going to an error with poor internet connections

David Ritchie 0

I need to save files to my hard drive as I can not rely on onedrive being available but everythins seems to save to onedrive. How do I stop this

Doina Marin 0 Reputation points

2026-10-06T04:34:14.4066667+00:00

Go to your computer settings

2 answers

Your answer

Doina Marin 0 Reputation points

2026-10-06T04:34:14.4066667+00:00

Go to your computer settings

Answer 1

Hello,

If you have the files in OneDrive sync folders,

backup (2)

You can find the OneDrive sync folders in the left pane of File Explorer.

User's image

If you are signed in to OneDrive desktop app with your Microsoft account and automatic syncing is enabled for these folders, all files stored in them will be automatically backed up to OneDrive. On my PC, I have turned off syncing for the Music and Videos folders, so files from those locations are no longer backed up. (as an example of how this works)

If you want to keep everything on your hard drive instead of OneDrive, you can unlink your account from the OneDrive desktop app:

Right-click the OneDrive icon on the taskbar, then select Settings > Account > Unlink this PC.
However, if you want to keep only your Documents and Pictures folders syncing in OneDrive, or other folders, open OneDrive Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup, then turn off backup for the other folders.

Important:

Before deleting anything from OneDrive or the OneDrive Recycle Bin, ensure that you have a local copy of the files on your hard drive.

If you still need help, let me know.

GsN5034 - IA 78,420 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-06T04:32:14.3+00:00

Another thing to keep in mind:

Before unlinking your Microsoft account from OneDrive, make sure all your files and folders are stored on a local drive. After unlinking the account, you can move the files back to their original locations, and they will no longer sync with OneDrive.

Answer 2

To stop files saving to OneDrive by default and keep them on the hard drive:

In an Office app, use File > Save As.
Choose This PC instead of OneDrive.
Select the folder on the hard drive, or choose Browse and pick the exact location.
Save the file.

For Windows folders such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, turn off OneDrive folder backup so those folders stop defaulting to OneDrive:

Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
Open Settings.
Go to Sync and back up > Manage Backup.
Turn off backup for the folders that should stay local.

If files are already in the OneDrive folder, move them from the OneDrive folder back to the local user folders after backup is turned off.

If internet reliability is the main issue and OneDrive is still needed for backup, files can also be kept available offline:

In OneDrive settings, turn on Files On-Demand if needed.
In File Explorer, right-click important files or folders and keep them on the device so they remain available without internet.
Online-only files cannot be opened when the device is offline.

When saving new files, Save As can always be used to choose OneDrive or This PC each time.

References: