One drive has messed up my whole PC. How do I get my files back on my PC, and switch off one drive forever. (Please dont answer a question I did not ask)?

Hello Mikeharbour,

I truly understand what you've gone through on this, seems like you are having issues with the OneDrive backup feature. This feature is intended to backup your files and store it to OneDrive cloud storage, on your scenario possible reason is that the Files on Demand is not properly configured that's why whenever you want to access the files it will need first to download the files from the cloud instead of it being always locally ready on your device storage. Save disk space with OneDrive Files On-Demand for Windows - Microsoft Support.

If you no longer want to use this feature and turn-off OneDrive, here are the steps you can perform:

Make sure to sync back the files first so that you can save a local copy of it:

1. Open OneDrive folder, then locate all of the files you want to retain.
2. Select all the files you want to retain, then right click and select "Always keep on this device" so that it will be saved locally on your storage. From there you should see this icon:

Once done saving back your files locally, you may proceed on unlinking your account on your OneDrive:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the OneDrive folder.
2. Right-click on the OneDrive folder and select "Settings".
3. In the "Account" tab, click "Unlink OneDrive".
4. Follow the prompts to complete the unlinking process.

I hope this answers your question. If you need further assistance, please do let me know.

Best regards,

Arquel C.

Microsoft Moderator

Greetings,    We haven't heard from you, so we assume that your issue has already been addressed. We will not be monitoring this thread moving forward so, if you need further assistance, please create a new thread to discuss these concerns by clicking this link: Create a new question (microsoft.com)Thank you for understanding.Regards,Arquel C.Microsoft Moderator

I can't find ". Select all the files you want to retain, then right click and select "Always keep on this device" so that it will be saved locally on your storage"

I can't find ". Select all the files you want to retain, then right click and select "Always keep on this device" so that it will be saved locally on your storage"

How many days is this operation supposed to take? It has been over 24 hours since I marked the files as "Always keep on this device"

I am still seeing lots of little blue arrows chasing each other's tail instead of a nice green check mark. AFTER 24 HOURS

I have a fast fiber connection so please do not use that as a potential troubleshooting reply.

I need specific instructions for:

Win 10 Pro
Version 22H2
Installed on ‎2/‎20/‎2023
OS build 19045.4291
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.19056.1000.0

NOT the gobs of outdated versions I am finding on the internet, none of which correspond to the OneDrive in use on my machine.

Simply stated:

1. I want ALL my files back on my hard drive
2. I want them by tomorrow night
3. I want to be able to verify that all blue "syncing" arrows have gone to green (and yes, the files I am referring to are marked, "Always keep on this device"

This experience has left me with a "syncing" feeling toward Microsoft OneDrive.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

I can't tell you how much I hate One Drive. I hate it almost as much as I hate AT&T. You couldn't find a name for the One Drive Desktop other than calling it Desktop? Do you know how confusing that is? Even AI is smart enough to figure that out. Fire whoever designed the UI. Absolute garbage. You have cost me so much time.