two linked devices, both show the same home screen

Hi,

It sounds like your devices are not just linked, but are using a cloud synchronization feature, likely through Microsoft OneDrive. When you save files to the "Desktop," "Documents," or "Pictures" folders that are synced by OneDrive, changes made on one device are automatically reflected on the others because the folders are synchronized to the cloud.

You can have two independent devices under the same Microsoft account by managing and disabling specific sync settings: 

1. Stop Desktop Synchronization via OneDrive Settings 

The primary cause for identical desktop icons is the OneDrive "Folder Protection" or "PC Folder Backup" feature, which syncs your Desktop folder across devices. 

To disable this:

1. Open OneDrive Settings: On both your laptop and your PC, find the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray (usually bottom-right corner). Right-click the icon and select Settings or Sync and backup > Manage backup.
2. Manage Folder Backup: In the settings window, look for a section labeled Manage backup or Sync and backup.
3. Stop Synchronization: Toggle off the switches for Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. A window might appear confirming you want to stop syncing; confirm this action.
4. Verify Files: After stopping the sync, new files saved to the Desktop on one machine will only appear there. Files already on the desktop will remain, but changes will no longer sync. 
5. Disable Syncing of Settings and Preferences 

To keep other system preferences independent (like themes, passwords, and language settings):

1. Go to Account Settings: On both devices, open Settings > Accounts > Windows backup (or Sync your settings in older versions of Windows).
2. Turn off unwanted syncs:
   • Toggle off Remember my preferences.
     • Toggle off Remember my apps.
       • Toggle off Other Windows backup settings like "My preferences" or "Sync your settings" if available. 
3. Ensure Local Storage is Used

After making these changes, files saved to your local desktop will remain local to that specific device.

• If you want a file accessible on both devices, you will need to manually save it into your general OneDrive folder in File Explorer (not the specific "Desktop" or "Documents" folders that were previously backed up). This allows you to use the cloud as the independent storage area you desire, rather than a mirroring service

These steps will ensure that each device maintains its own unique desktop layout and file structure while both still being connected to your single Microsoft account for other services like the Microsoft Store or email.

Hope that this information helps.

Kind regards,