how do I turn off sync on my desktop

Patrice Ray 0 Reputation points
2026-08-28T21:53:27.8266667+00:00

I need to turn off sync. When I save something on my desktop it goes to my laptop. I do not want this.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Desktop
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. EmilyS726 264.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-28T22:33:37.3266667+00:00

    Hello,

    Look for the OneDrive icon on your taskbar on lower right. Click on it to go to Settings > Sync and backup tab > Manage backup button.

    Turn off Desktop here. You can turn of other folders too.

    Restart the computer. That should stop the sync. If you don't want your laptop folders to be synced over to the desktop, then you need to do the same on the laptop too.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

  2. AI answer

    2026-08-28T21:53:43.0066667+00:00

    This is usually caused by OneDrive Desktop backup or OneDrive folder sync between both PCs using the same Microsoft account.

    To stop your Desktop from syncing:

    1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar.
    2. Select Settings.
    3. Go to Sync and backup and select Manage backup.
    4. Turn off Desktop.

    If the Desktop is already being synced through OneDrive folder selection, change that instead:

    1. Open OneDrive Settings.
    2. Go to the Account tab.
    3. Select Choose folders.
    4. Uncheck folders you do not want synced to that computer, then select OK.

    If the goal is to stop all OneDrive syncing on that desktop:

    1. Right-click the OneDrive icon on the taskbar.
    2. Select Pause syncing and then Quit OneDrive for a temporary stop.
    3. For a permanent stop on that PC, open Settings in OneDrive, go to the Account tab, and select Unlink this PC.

    Important:

    • If a folder is unchecked from sync, it is removed from that computer, but it remains available online.
    • If a site or library is stopped from syncing, copies of the files remain on the computer unless deleted manually.
    • Removing or unlinking OneDrive from the PC does not delete files from OneDrive.com.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.