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How to exclude specific files/folders from OneDrive (while keeping them on the PC)

Anonymous
2021-03-06T16:18:27+00:00

I have a problem with OneDrive. Windows automatically set the Desktop and Documents folders as OneDrive folders, not allowing them to be split apart.

I want to be able to exclude certain files from OneDrive. I know there is the option to choose the folders to not sync, but I want the opposite action. I want the files to be only on my pc but not in OneDrive.

I can not just choose another location because the particular files I want to ignore require to be in the Documents folder.

I have searched everywhere and could not find any solution. From what I have seen, it seems like it is not possible to do this action.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows

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  1. Craig Long 17,825 Reputation points
    2021-03-07T03:08:13+00:00

    Hi. Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

    I want to be able to exclude certain files from OneDrive.

    Unfortunately this is not possible if the files are in backed up OneDrive locations.

    I know there is the option to choose the folders to not sync, but I want the opposite action. I want the files to be only on my pc but not in OneDrive.

    Sorry but this is not a feature of OneDrive. Files that you do not want backed up in OneDrive must be removed from the syncing Documents, Desktop, Pictures, and/or OneDrive folders. A good place to keep files out of OneDrive is at C:\Users\username"new folder".

    Wish I had better news.

    Best regards,

    Craig

    40+ people found this answer helpful.
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