I bought a new Windows computer and, despite choosing not to restore from a backup, some settings and content appeared during setup. Both computers use the same Microsoft account, and I want to remove the account from the new PC or possibly factory-reset it. Will doing that delete files from my existing computer, or are the files stored independently? I also want to know what else to check, such as OneDrive or Windows backup synchronization, before resetting the new machine.
3 Answers
Windows setup can restore settings, app shortcuts, and a list of previously installed apps, which can make it seem like full programs were transferred. It generally does not copy complete desktop programs from one computer to another; most apps still need to be installed separately. A factory reset affects the new computer only, provided you do not manually delete files from shared cloud storage.
The Microsoft account itself does not make the two computers share their local files. Removing the account or resetting the new PC will not normally delete anything stored only on the older PC. The main exception is cloud synchronization, especially OneDrive, so check whether Desktop, Documents, Pictures, or other folders are being synced before deleting anything.
Before unlinking OneDrive or resetting the new computer, make sure any files you want to keep are fully downloaded and available on the original PC. If OneDrive is syncing a folder, deleting a synced file on one device can eventually remove it from the cloud and other devices too. Confirm the files are safely stored locally or backed up elsewhere first.
Local Windows accounts can look like they have the same name, but they are separate accounts internally. The important thing to verify is whether the files are local or inside a synchronized Microsoft service.