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Clicked on OneDrive and now have every file open on my desktop. How to turn back

670 70 July 15, 2026 at 12:22 AM
HI All

The other day i got a pop up on my laptop about setting up cloud. I always keep my desktop computer separate from my Laptop. But, now i have just about every file i own on my laptops desktop. Anyone have a idea how i can turn it back? There was only about 12 icons on my desktop before now theres probably at least 50.

TIA
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chrislnurse
11-10-2026 at 09:33 AM.
11-10-2026 at 09:33 AM.
OneDrive automatically turned on Folder Sync, which merged the Desktop files from all computers connected to your Microsoft account into one shared view.

​Here is how you can disconnect them and restore your laptop's original setup:

​1. Turn off Desktop sync: Click the OneDrive cloud icon down by your clock > select the gear icon (Settings) > go to Sync and backup > click Manage backup > toggle Desktop to OFF.

​2. Clean up your screen: Your laptop desktop will immediately revert. Files synced from your other PC will move into a folder on your desktop called "Where are my files" (or inside your C:\Users\\OneDrive\Desktop folder). You can safely delete shortcuts you don't want on your laptop without affecting your desktop PC.

​3. Keep your setups separate: Go to Windows Settings (Win + I) > Accounts > Windows backup, and toggle off Remember my preferences so Windows stops sharing settings and layouts between your devices.

Hope this helps...
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