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2 computers synced via OneDrive: Will uninstalling programs on one computer affect data in Documents folder?

Anonymous
2025-02-14T04:37:44+00:00

For the last few years I've been using a laptop as my one and only computer, but I just got a desktop PC to supplement my workflow with music production. My intention is to install all of my primary software on my desktop (which I've already done), and then clear a grand majority of that stuff off of my laptop so I can have a much more efficient and portable solution with said laptop (which I have not done, yet).

When I go to uninstall stuff off of my laptop, will it also uninstall corresponding data in my documents folder? I've installed numerous VST plugins on my laptop over the years, and all of the user data and other miscellaneous data goes into the Documents folder, which is now synced across both my desktop and laptop (I've already gone through the process of installing all of my VST plugins to my desktop, so I hope I haven't already messed stuff up with the sync, as I assume the VSTs on my desktop and laptop are now referencing the same files in my synced OneDrive documents folder).

I tried Googling this issue, and all I found was the AI response, which reads: "No, uninstalling VST plugins will not automatically remove any files from your Documents folder; VST plugins are typically stored in dedicated system folders within your Program Files directory, not within your Documents folder, so uninstalling them only affects the plugin files located in their designated installation path." Is this true? Am I fine to start uninstalling stuff off of my laptop, and everything on my desktop will remain intact?

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Anonymous
2025-02-15T03:32:29+00:00

Hi, Sam King5

Thanks for posting in the community. 

I realize you are confused about whether uninstalling a program on one computer will affect the data in your Documents folder, and I understand your feelings.

In the situation you describe, uninstalling the program itself will not directly affect the data in your Documents folder, especially for the data stored in the OneDrive sync folder.

  1. Uninstalling programs and data in folders

Typically, programs (such as VST plug-ins) will install their executable files and related system files to Program Files or other specialized folders, while user data (such as plug-in settings, configuration files, audio files, etc.) may be saved in Documents or other user folders. Uninstalling a program will only delete the directory where the installation files are located and related registry information, and will not affect the data in your Documents folder.

  1. OneDrive syncing

If your Documents folder (and the data in it) has been synced to your desktop computer via OneDrive, then these files will be synced between the two devices. Even if you uninstall some programs from your laptop, as long as the data of these programs is still saved in the Documents folder of OneDrive, they will continue to sync with the desktop computer.

I hope that clears up your confusion.

Best Regards,  Zain.M - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-02-16T01:12:59+00:00

    Thank you so much for your detailed response! That absolutely clears up my confusion. Glad to hear that this is the case, as I think this will cause a lot less headache once I start uninstalling things from my laptop.

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