Windows 11 Turns on OneDrive Folder Backup Automatically

Larissa updated on Jul 09, 2024 to Backup and Recovery | How-to Articles

If you notice Windows 11 turns on OneDrive folder backup automatically, this can be concerning as insignificant files take up most of the OneDrive storage. The post guides you to disable the Windows 11 OneDrive automatic folder backup.

Microsoft automatically turns on the OneDrive folder backup for all Windows 11 users. OneDrive now backs up your desktop, documents, music, videos, and others without user permission. Initially, Windows 11 would ask the user for permission to backup folders and files while setting up, but the new update backs up all your files by default. If your Windows 11 turns on OneDrive folder backup automatically, let us see how it will impact the PC and what we can do to turn it off.

Windows 11 Now Truns on OneDrive Folder Backup Without Permission

📑"Windows 11 now automatically enables the OneDrive folder backup without permission or prior notice. You can only find this happening when the folders are backed up and your OneDrive storage exhausts quickly." - quoted from a Windows 11 user on Reddit

Many people back up files and folders to safeguard data, but why are people concerned? If we get into the details, backing up irreplaceable or essential documents, photos, or videos helps you restore a file whenever you need it. Cloud storage like OneDrive syncs files across all devices, making them accessible from anywhere. 

The problem is that Microsoft needs to ask or notify users before backing up folders to OneDrive. On one's PC, it's his choice to backup files. Even more concerning is that the company did this without any notice. Besides evading the user's privacy, backing up unimportant folders to OneDrive will eat up storage, impacting performance. 

Here are some complaints many users are talking about if Windows 11 automatically backs up folders to OneDrive without asking for permission:

  • 🔏User Privacy and Security: First, it removes the user's choice of backing up only necessary files. OneDrive is highly secure, but uploading personal files may lead to evasion of privacy and security.
  • ☁️Reducing Cloud Storage: OneDrive offers 5GB of free storage. If all the files are backed up, the space will fill up. Even if you buy the 365 plan, unnecessary files may occupy a huge chunk of the storage.
  • 💻Impact on Computer Performance: Uploading or syncing files constantly takes up substantial resources, and even more for large files, resulting in a performance dent.
  • 🗂️File Redundancy: The automatic backup keeps a copy of all the files on OneDrive. It will result in redundancy if you have files in local storage and as backup in other locations.

How to Disable OneDrive Folder Backup Automatically in Windows 11 

Windows 11 users can turn off the OneDrive automatic backup feature. Windows offers flexible options to turn off and stop OneDrive from syncing. Let us see how to do it:

Step 1. Right-click on OneDrive in the System Tray.

Step 2. Click Settings and navigate to the "Sync and Backup" section.

Step 3. Click "Manage Backup" beside the "Back up important PC folders to OneDrive" option. 

Share the post on your social platforms to help other Windows 11 users disable automatic OneDrive folder backup.

 

Step 4. Turn off the toggle for any folder you don't want to be backed up. After turning off the OneDrive folder backup for unwanted backups, click Save Changes.

Bonus: Use the Reliable Backup/Sync Tool to Safeguard Your PC

If you feel like Microsoft is evading your privacy, it's time to try the EaseUS Todo Backup. A professional backup and sync software entirely under your control to manage backup and sync data. The software provides advanced backup options like differential and incremental backups to save storage space. If you want to sync files or folders to external drives, USBs, networks, cloud storage, or any location, you can do it with ease. 

If you want to initiate automatic sync or backup, you have complete control over the folders you want to backup and the frequency of it. Additionally, EaseUS offers cloud storage to keep your backups on the cloud. Try the EaseUS Todo Backup free version; see it for yourself.

To Sum Up

Backing up important data and files safeguards the data. However,  if Windows 11 turns on the OneDrive folder backup automatically without asking users' permission, it's a point of concern. If the OneDrive is out of storage or backing up every file, learn how to turn off the OneDrive automatic folder backup.

If you are worried about privacy or data backup, EaseUS Todo Backup is the excellent OneDrive alternative. Try the EaseUS Todo Backup free version now to sync and backup files.

Share the post on your social platforms to help other Windows 11 users disable automatic OneDrive folder backup.

 

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the "Windows 11 turns on OneDrive folder backup automatically" topic.

1. Why does Windows automatically save to OneDrive?

In the past, Windows used to ask permission to backup folders to OneDrive. However, with the new Windows 11, Microsoft automatically turns on OneDrive folder backup. If it bothers you, please turn it off.

2. How do I make Windows 11 not use OneDrive?

As OneDrive is built into Windows OS, you have to unlink the PC not to use OneDrive. The OneDrive settings allow users to unlink the PC to stop the services for users.

3. How do I stop folders from going to OneDrive?

OneDrive allows users to turn off the folder sync or backup feature. Go to OneDrive, navigate to Settings > Sync and Backup, and discontinue the sync for folders you don't want to back up.