Microsoft has introduced a surprising change to the Windows 11 installation process. Now, the operating system automatically creates a OneDrive folder and enables a backup for several folders without the need for the user’s explicit permission.
This means that when you start using a Windows computer for the first time, the default folders (Pictures, Music, Videos, and Documents) will automatically sync to the OneDrive account associated with the Microsoft account used to install in the OS and login.
Although OneDrive automatic backup can be handy, it should be the user’s choice to enable it. However, Microsoft has decided to activate these backups by default without obtaining user consent.
Previously, Microsoft offered the option to activate OneDrive during installation through a series of questions along with other options like using the voice assistant or activating the trial version of the company’s Office suite.
However, with OneDrive's new default activation, users can’t disable it during installation.
To no one’s surprise, this decision has sparked criticism on social media platforms like X and Reddit, with users expressing frustration over the clutter of small check marks on their desktop icons.
How to Disable OneDrive Backup
Although Microsoft has enabled OneDrive backups by default, there’s a simple way to disable this option if you don’t want to use it.
First, go to the taskbar and right-click on the small OneDrive icon. Then, select Settings in the dropdown menu.
In the Settings window, navigate to the Sync and backup tab. There, click on Manage backup to view a list of the system folders Windows has synchronized and backed up in your cloud account. You can now disable the backup for specific folders by toggling the switches next to them in the list. Remember to click OK to save your changes.
Moreover, there are a couple of other options to consider.
For instance, if you want to stop automatic backups but still keep your files on Microsoft servers, you can go to the Account tab in the OneDrive Settings window and click on Unlink this PC. This way, you’ll be able to access them through a web browser at onedrive.com.
Alternatively, you can uninstall OneDrive altogether. To do so, press the Windows key and type “Add or remove programs” to open the Windows tool. Look for “Microsoft OneDrive” in the list of your installed apps and click on Uninstall to remove it.
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