Malware in OneDrive Automatically Restored To Computer

Question

Malware in OneDrive Automatically Restored To Computer

Timothy G. Slazyk 20

I had an issue a few months ago where I somehow picked up malware, despite being extremely cautious at all times. This resulted in my system not booting and without any solution. I attempted several recommendations I found online without a resolution. Ultimately, the system no longer accepted my login credentials to log in to Windows 11 Pro. I attempted every solution under the sun and was forced to wipe my hard drive thoroughly and install a fresh copy of Windows 11 Pro, along with all my programs, which took weeks to get up and running due to music production activation codes and licensing issues with iLok. Prior to restoring a fresh copy of Windows, restoring from backups resulted in the same login credentials issue. Anyone who gets caught in this loop will not get out. There is no solution. Trust me.

Nevertheless, the reason I am writing is because, as soon as the system was working fine, something happened (not sure what) and the system insisted on connecting with OneDrive, which then synced files from OneDrive back to the computer and BAM! I was infected again!

Can you please put some safety measures in place so OneDrive is not so demanding? Plus, the program interferes with FL Studio music production DAW. OneDrive is a nuisance for this reason. Anyhow, I just wanted to bring this to Microsoft's attention.

I was up and running for a couple weeks before this issue with OneDrive occurred and I don't recall, specifically, what happened, but I certainly didn't want OneDrive to sync files to the computer. I'm so tired of computer problems related to malware and incompatibilities with other programs so I want to go offline, permanently with this music production computer. Is this even possible anymore? It should be. Also, if malware can be traced back to a person, and proven, it should be a felony.

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Airbus A350 7,765 Volunteer Moderator

Hello,

OneDrive syncs itself automatically once Windows is up and running, which is fine for most users, but when you have malware in your OneDrive, that leads to some issues.

If you're fine with resetting your PC again, you can do that, but once you get to the network selection screen, push Shift + F10 and then type start ms-cxh:localonly and then enter will allow you to create a local account. Make sure that if you're connected via Ethernet, that the cable is unplugged, otherwise, this won't work.

After you get your PC set up, you can sign into your Microsoft Account from Settings, and then once you're connected to your account, disconnect from the internet. This way, OneDrive won't be able to sync anything.

After you do that, right-click the OneDrive cloud icon on the taskbar and then push Settings, and then Unlink this PC.

Then, you won't be connected to OneDrive, and you can proceed to going to OneDrive on the Web and then delete the malicious files.

Hope this helps.

Timothy G. Slazyk 20 Reputation points

2025-10-31T22:30:27.97+00:00

Yes, you are correct, that is an option, but I do not recall being asked to install a local account. However, I do recall that being an option in the old days. Are you saying this is still an option in Windows 11 Pro, in 2025, the year of good vs. evil in upside-down clown world.

Anyhow, I ended up using Revo Uninstaller and uninstalled OneDrive, but I do pay for 1TB of Onedrive storage because I have all of family pictures and videos saved there. So far, it has been very reliable for that purpose. I realize I could've unlinked Onedrive but I needed it completely gone so when I install certain music plugins, they don't automatically get installed in C:/onedrive/documents. I wanted them installed in the regular documents, minus the onedrive folder.
Airbus A350 7,765 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-10-31T23:14:32.0933333+00:00

Hello,

Microsoft doesn't "like" people using local accounts because it would prevent the ability to have peace of mind when syncing your files through OneDrive and other apps, which is why you probably didn't see the option to create a local account.

To force the local account (and because Microsoft patched the loopholes that people could've used), you will have to download a free third-party utility called Rufus and create a bootable Windows 11 installation USB.

To prevent OneDrive from syncing the Documents folder on your PC, you can right-click the OneDrive icon on your taskbar (should be a cloud icon) and then push Settings > Sync & Backup > Manage backup and then deselect the Documents folder, push OK, and you should see that your Documents folder is no longer in your OneDrive.

Hope this helps, and happy Halloween if you celebrate.
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Timothy G. Slazyk 20 Reputation points

2026-08-23T11:24:38.6766667+00:00

This was a really good solution that didn't cross my mind at the time. Sometimes the simplest things baffle me. I once solved a physics equation in my sleep. Seriously! I had completely forgotten about this method but I'm not sure I would've been comfortable doing this. Once I know there is malware on my systems, I am one of those people who will think it's always there, lurking, so I was better off just starting from scratch. Practice makes perfect and doing multiple OS/Program installs is the best way to set up the perfect system.

One thing I didn't know, was that command, which I will save for the future, Shift + F10 and then type ms-cxh:localonly This really could've helped me but I was hasty, and you know what they say about haste. Anyhow, thanks for your help. Better late than never, on my part. Have a terrific day!

PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! Seek Him NOW. I do not know when the cutoff will be, but I have a strange suspicion the 6000 years is almost over, as in this year, by Feast of Trumpets. Hard tellin'.....Not knowin', and that is why we must repent, pray, and read the Bible daily, while always obeying God's Commandments, so we are ready at all times. Your eternal soul is a VERY serious matter. PLEASE LISTEN TO ME! May the spirit of the Highest Holy God and the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ fill you with permanent inspiration to take action now and prepare your soul for what is coming upon this earth. Be ready at all times! GOD is REAL! and Jesus Christ is the ONLY path to Eternal Salvation. NO MORE PROCRASTINATION! If only people would listen to others who have read the Bible countless times, and had their eyes opened by God to reveal things that are only shown to those who demonstrate persistent faith. DO NOT MESS WITH ETERNITY! and I can't even begin to tell you how many Muslims have been visited by the Holy Spirit and converted to Christianity, in this year alone. There must be a reason God chose them. If you want to be chosen, it is up to you to make the first move and connect with Jesus Christ. It's our choice! I pray daily, and often, for more Muslim conversions to Christianity, so they can have their eyes opened and see how they have been deceived, and once they see this, without the scales on their eyes, in a historical way, they will be amazed that they were ever a Muslim to begin with. That is just the way our wonderful God works! He is AMAZING!
Airbus A350 7,765 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-08-26T19:54:58.4633333+00:00

I'm glad that my response solved your issue.

Have a wonderful rest of your day!