Onedrive has stolen my files

m 0 Reputation points
2026-10-29T22:25:18.2066667+00:00

Somehow onedrive has stolen all of my files. I have never used onedrive and had no intention to do so. Apparently logging in to your microsoft account can trigger this.

Currently it is in the process of transferring >400Gb engineering files over that I do not wish to copy over. Some of the files are no longer located on my machine, there are far too many files to check and revert manually, and may are large CAD files that link to one another.

I need a clear way to undo this mess; how to restore my files and original directory structure without data loss?

Note that I managed to get through to a Microsoft agent, but after 30 minutes of fruitless help they informed me they could not help with Onedrive and sent me a link for onedrive specific which did not lead anywhere. Subsequent attempts to talk to agents were followed by server errors.

Can anyone help?

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
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  1. Thomas4-N 23,140 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-11-05T07:13:38.0766667+00:00

    Hello m,

    I'm sorry you're dealing with this, especially with over 400 GB of engineering files and linked CAD assemblies involved. I understand why you need to restore the original folder structure without risking further data loss.

    Since you've confirmed that some files are only showing in OneDrive while others remain locally available, I'd be cautious about moving anything just yet.

    For now, please avoid deleting, moving, or reorganizing files in either location. Also, don't unlink OneDrive or uninstall it until we've established where the files are stored and whether they're fully available locally.

    Microsoft explains how OneDrive folder backup works here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/onedrive/back-up-your-folders-with-onedrive

    Could you clarify two things?

    1. Folder locations: Where were the engineering files originally stored, and where are they appearing now? For example, were they under C:\Users\YourName\Documents and are they now under C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive\Documents?
    2. File status: Could you share a screenshot of the recycling-style icon you mentioned, along with the other OneDrive status icons shown beside the affected files?

    These details should help us determine whether OneDrive has redirected the folders or whether some files are cloud-only.

    I'd rather establish that first than suggest a bulk move that could break your linked CAD assemblies or risk losing files.

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  2. Craig Long 19,025 Reputation points
    2026-10-29T22:37:59.1033333+00:00

    Go to Manage Backup in the OneDrive Settings and turn off folder backup.

    Please see the video here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/onedrive/back-up-your-folders-with-onedrive

    Please see the AI answer for more information.

    If you're having trouble recovering all your files, start a free Microsoft 365 trial, and if you don't want it, cancel before you're charged. Unfortunately, you can't do all the suggested file recovery methods without a subscription.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/onedrive-plans-and-pricing

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