I've been having issues with OneDrive syncing files between my laptop and gaming computer without my consent. I got a new touchscreen laptop for art about a year ago, and during setup, OneDrive imposed itself onto my system. Now, my laptop is cluttered with a ton of unnecessary files because they sync from my gaming computer, and I can't just delete them without losing everything on both devices. I've tried to fix this myself, but that only ended up with my files in inaccessible folders. I prefer not to centralize my files since I use these devices for different purposes. What can I do to separate my devices? Would making a new Microsoft account solve the problem, or do I need to desync OneDrive and reset my laptop?
6 Answers
To keep it simple, just stop syncing, delete any unwanted files from OneDrive, and uninstall the app. It’s a clean way to regain control over your files.
This is why I only use a local account. It completely eliminates OneDrive issues and keeps everything more private.
Start by going into OneDrive settings and deselect all the folders you're syncing. Then, unlink your account and uninstall OneDrive completely. Just a heads up, it might try to reinstall on its own later, so keep an eye out for that!
If you find OneDrive's constant pop-ups annoying, just delete the files from it and unlink your computer. But if you want it completely off your devices, removing it is a must. Good luck!
I had a similar experience and spent a bit of time untangling it, though it felt longer because I was frustrated with OneDrive. Just ensure you know where everything is before you start deleting things, or you might notice missing files later!
Honestly, I think some of this is on us too. You likely agreed to it during setup, but it can be a hassle to fix. I used some guides online for similar issues, and they helped clarify the paths that might get messed up. Just be careful about removing any folders until you're sure they're not linked to OneDrive anymore. That's where things get tricky!

Yeah, I've had that issue too. Microsoft can be really annoying with how they push their services on you.