I want the default for all applications to be to my local drives and then be able to specify specific files to put onto the OneDrive folders.

david 0 Reputation points
2025-12-06T04:54:00.56+00:00

Anonymous

May 9, 2024, 2:31 PM

Thank you both for your replies. I want to keep using OneDrive BUT only for the files I want to put there, not as the default for all my files.

I want the default for all applications to be to my local drives and then be able to specify specific files to put onto the OneDrive folders. This is what I had on my Windows 10 and below. What is the answer for this request?????????????????????????

Is there something in the registry that can be changed to make ALL defaults be local?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-06T04:54:09.4366667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To set the default for all applications to save files to your local drives instead of OneDrive, you can adjust the OneDrive settings and registry configurations. However, there isn't a specific registry setting that universally changes all application defaults to local drives. Instead, you can manage this through OneDrive settings and user configurations:

    1. OneDrive Settings: Ensure that you do not set OneDrive as the default save location in applications. When saving files, choose your local drive explicitly.
    2. Registry Settings: While there isn't a direct registry key to change all defaults, you can prevent users from syncing personal OneDrive accounts by modifying the registry. This will ensure that files are not automatically sent to OneDrive:
      • Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\OneDrive and create or modify the value DisablePersonalSync to 1. This prevents syncing of personal OneDrive accounts, which may help in keeping files local.
    3. Application Defaults: For individual applications, you may need to set the default save location to your local drive within the application's settings. Many applications allow you to specify a default location for saving files.

    By following these steps, you can maintain your files on local drives while selectively choosing which files to upload to OneDrive.

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  2. Ramesh Srinivasan 68,490 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-06T06:11:43.9066667+00:00

    Hi,

    Please open OneDrive settings via the OneDrive icon in the notification area. In the Sync and Backup tab, expand "Advanced settings". Under "Files On-Demand", click "Download all files". Selecting this option causes all files from the cloud to be downloaded to your device.

    You can then stop folder backups. See the section "Stop folder backup in OneDrive" in this link:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/back-up-your-folders-with-onedrive-d61a7930-a6fb-4b95-b28a-6552e77c3057

    After doing the above, the shell folders will point to the default locations.

    For more information and screenshots, check out the following guide.

    https://www.elevenforum.com/t/turn-on-or-off-onedrive-folder-backup-syncing-across-windows-11-devices.4321/


    Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to provide accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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