OneDrive moved my Documents folder without permission after Windows update

Question

I’m posting here because I experienced a serious issue with OneDrive after recent Windows updates, and I believe other users — and Microsoft — need to be aware of it.

After updating a laptop I hadn’t used in a few months, OneDrive moved my entire Documents folder into OneDrive without any prompt, warning, or consent. I did not receive the usual “protect your folders” dialog. There was no confirmation request. My files were simply relocated.

This caused immediate problems. I use HotDocs for work, and because OneDrive changed the file paths without notifying me, HotDocs reported that my workspace files “did not exist.” I had to search through OneDrive to find everything and manually reconnect paths that should never have been altered without my approval.

This behavior is extremely disruptive and undermines trust in OneDrive’s folder protection features.

I am requesting that Microsoft address the following:

Stop auto‑enabling Known Folder Move during updates.

Require explicit, unambiguous user consent before relocating any folder.

Provide clear warnings when path changes will break software relying on local directories.

Correct misleading messaging such as “protect your folders,” which does not disclose that files will be physically moved.

Silent file relocation is not acceptable. It breaks workflows, causes data confusion, and creates unnecessary downtime. I hope Microsoft will take this seriously and prevent this from happening to other users.

Answer 1

Hi, Tracy Phillips

This is OneDrive’s “folder backup” feature, also called Known Folder Move. It redirects Documents into OneDrive, so programs such as HotDocs may lose their saved paths. A silent move can also be enabled by an organization’s policy.

Here are some suggestions you can try:

Before changing anything, make a separate copy of the OneDrive Documents folder to an external drive. Do not delete files from OneDrive yet, since deletions may sync across locations.

Select the OneDrive cloud icon near the clock, then Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup. Turn off Documents and choose Keep the files only on my PC. If OneDrive says some files cannot be moved, first right-select the Documents folder and choose Always keep on this device, then let it finish downloading.

Confirm that the files are now under C:\Users\YourName\Documents, then reopen HotDocs and reconnect its workspace to that folder.

If this is a work-managed laptop or the option is unavailable, contact IT. OneDrive policies can silently redirect folders or prevent users from turning the feature off.

Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

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