How can I turn off the sync function my Microsoft account from my windows 11 laptop?

Anonymous
2022-09-20T00:37:59+00:00

I really want to un sync my windows 11 laptop from my desktop computer connected with the same Microsoft account. Every time I delete something on my laptop to free up space I don’t want it to be deleted from desktop. How do I change this? Please and thank you for your time.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-04-05T22:20:59+00:00

    to this day Microsoft intentionally made sure to make it harder to disable, for whatever **** they collect on our devices. Why not have the **** button to turn off sync where you would logically think it should be not go through a clutter **** of useless gimmick to hide the setting **** ****

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-03-06T23:51:55+00:00

    First off - when looking for answers on a site like this look at the date! what worked in 2022 probably won't work in 2024 or 2025

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-09-23T18:13:07+00:00

    I get to "OneDrive folder syncing"

    small box on the right shows 
    
       "Set Up syncing" 
    
            I click on that - now shows 
    

    "Backup folders on this PC"

    this is not what I need "turn off

        syncing"
    

    (possible not to use, your hard to follow abbreviations?)

    I am in the UK.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-17T03:19:49+00:00

    On the "latest" (2023-01-23) version of Windows 11, you go to Settings --> Accounts

    Then in the URH corner you click on the "One Drive Manage" icon which brings you to the "Manage folder backup" screen. You can then turn off some or all the directories (such as Pictures) that you want to stop backing up.

    There is no "Settings --> Accounts" That's what everyone is trying to state. I have the same issue. There is no way to turn off sync. No Settings--> Accounts..it does not exist as of 12/16/2023.

    If I type "sync" I get "Your profile". Under my profile is "sync". After clicking that, there is no option to turn off sync. None. No "accounts", no "off", no nothing related to shutting sync off.

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  5. John DeV 170.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-09-20T01:51:20+00:00

    Hello CloudySleet6,

    Thank you for updating me with that information. Can you take a screenshot of that window and post it in your next response? Note: Don't include any personal information or sensitive data.

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/feedback/fo...

    Do you use OneDrive? This could sync the Desktop folder, please open OneDrive Settings and try to remove the Desktop folder form the list of Synced folders

    Kind regards,

    John DeV

    Independent Advisor

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