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OneDrive is refusing to let me unlink my Documents Folder

Harry Weiss 5 Reputation points
2025-12-02T01:46:53.87+00:00

I'm fairly sick and tired of having my Documents folder backed up via Onedrive, so I have been trying for 4 days to unlink it. I feel like I'm getting gaslit by this fucking program.

I created a separate 'cloud docs' folder for files that I actually want backed up, and then told OneDrive (via 'Manage Backup') to stop backing up my Documents folder. I only want this folder on my desktop, and not in the cloud. I've checked 3 or 4 times, and its definitely still unchecked, and should not be syncing.

Meanwhile, I have tried to unselect my Documents Folder using the 'Choose Folders' menu (when the page even loads, which 50% of the time it won't, and I just get a spinning circle of red dots), and everytime I get the same error: "Sorry, your changes cant be saved. Some of the items you tried to stop syncing aren't in Onedrive yet. Please wait for them to finish uploading and fix any sync problems, and then try and make changes later'. I get this error despite the fact that nothing should be syncing as I already told Onedrive NOT to Sync my Documents folder.

I also tried just deleting the folder, both on the web and on my computer, and somehow Onedrive manages to repopulate both folders, presumably from a mysterious 3rd source I'm not aware of?? And again, despite me telling it NOT to sync any folders.

I've tried logging out, to then log back in, but everytime I get stuck at a spinning wheel and a 'signing out' message that won't go away, even after several hours. Restarting my computer does nothing, and I'm somehow still magically logged in. So please don't ask my to log out/back in, as apparently I cannot...

I'm at the end of my rope here. I've literally never encountered a program so broken and non-user friendly. Any suggestions, beyond nuking my computer?

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
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  1. EmilyS726 184K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-02T02:22:58.4566667+00:00

    Hello

    In your OneDrive settings > Sync and Backup tab > Manage Backup, all it matters is that the folders are turned off here, if you do not want these folders in the cloud.

    However, you do not need to do anything in Accounts tab > Choose folders. OneDrive always has its own documents folder as well, doesn't mean it is the same as the one on your local computer. If you delete it it will reappear, it is OneDrive's own standard build in folder.

    To double check to make sure all is good, Please type regedit in the search on the taskbar to launch registry editor, and go to this path, then take a screenshot and share in your reply.

    Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

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  2. Craig Long 16,510 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-12-02T02:41:49.41+00:00

    In the Choose Folders settings, you cannot uncheck the Documents, Desktop, Pictures, Music, and Videos folders. Unchecked folders are removed from your computer and become online-only. Those five folders are not allowed to become online-only.

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  3. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-02T01:47:06.6833333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    It sounds like you're experiencing a frustrating issue with OneDrive not allowing you to unlink your Documents folder. Here are some steps you can try to resolve this problem:

    1. Check Sync Status: Ensure that OneDrive is not currently syncing any files. If it is, wait for the sync to complete or pause it temporarily.
    2. Unlink OneDrive: If you haven't already, try unlinking your OneDrive account. You can do this by:
      • Clicking the OneDrive icon in the taskbar notification area.
      • Selecting Help & Settings > Settings.
      • On the Account tab, choose Unlink this PC.
    3. Remove Cached Credentials: After unlinking, consider removing any cached credentials for OneDrive:
      • Open Credential Manager from the Start menu.
      • Go to the Windows Credentials tab and remove any entries related to OneDrive.
    4. Registry Edit: If the problem persists, you might need to edit the registry. Before doing this, back up the registry:
      • Open Registry Editor and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\OneDrive.
      • Right-click on OneDrive and select Delete.
    5. Re-link OneDrive: After making these changes, try to re-link your OneDrive account and set up your folders again.
    6. Check for Updates: Make sure your OneDrive app is up to date, as updates can fix bugs and improve functionality.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to consider contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.

    References:

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  4. Angel Vazquez 0 Reputation points
    2025-12-04T22:12:15.0733333+00:00

    this is so frustrating to make this worst Im paying for this shit

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