Office 365: OneDrive - Manage Backup Folders

Overview

By default, the OneDrive client running on UWEC managed computers is configured to back up key local folders to your OneDrive cloud storage.

• Windows folders: Desktop, Documents, and Pictures
• macOS folders: Desktop and Documents

If you no longer want these folders backed up to your cloud OneDrive storage, follow the steps below to change your OneDrive settings based on your operating system:

Disabling OneDrive Backup Folders on Windows computers

1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar or notification area (system tray).
2. In the OneDrive pop‑up window, click the gear icon in the top‑right corner, then Settings.
3. In the Sync and Backup tab, click Manage backup.
4. In the Back up folders on this PC window, deselect the folders (Desktop, Documents, and/or Pictures) you no longer want backed up to OneDrive and click Save changes.   

Disabling OneDrive Backup Folders on MacOS computers

1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the macOS menu bar (top‑right of the screen).
2. In the OneDrive menu, click the gear icon, then select Preferences
3. Select the Backup tab, click Manage Backup.
4. In the Back up folders on this PC window, deselect Desktop and/or Documents and click Save changes.

Notes

• Files in deselected folders will remain on your local computer but will no longer sync to your OneDrive cloud storage.
• Files already stored in your OneDrive cloud storage will remain in the cloud unless you delete them manually.
• You may be prompted to allow or adjust macOS security permissions (Files and Folders) when changing backup settings.
• To help protect your local computer’s hard drive from filling up, OneDrive monitors available local disk space and takes the following actions:
  • Below 20 GB free: OneDrive will display a warning that your local hard drive is running low on space.
  • Below 15 GB free: OneDrive will automatically pause syncing cloud files to your local hard drive.
  • At any time, you can free up space on your local hard drive by using OneDrive Files On‑Demand, which allows files to remain in the cloud without taking up local storage. Save disk space with OneDrive Files On-Demand 

Related Links:

How to access OneDrive settings

Choose which cloud OneDrive folders to sync locally

OneDrive Icons