How to move Documents folder from OneDrive to local / turn off sync with OneDrive

Hi,

I have a problem that seems to be common but am unable to solve it with any of the resources I've located so far.

I've just set up a new laptop with Windowa 11 preinstalled (though I reset it twice) and somehow some of my user files, e.g. Documents, have ended up within my OneDrive.
The problem is, all my games store their saves in Documents, so I quickly got over the 5GB limit, my email no longer working.
Unlinking OneDrive removes the storage limit, but there are folders I actually want to sync so it's not the solution I want.

I don't know how to change Games' savegame locations so I thought I'd move the Documents folder instead. Problem is, I can't.

The right click=>properties=>location=>default location generates an error message.
"Can't move the folder because there is a folder in the same location that can't be redirected. Access is denied."
This happens even when I rename the local Doc folder to something else.

I also cannot unsync the Document folder from Backup on OneDrive; the tick boxes next to Documents, Desktop and Pictures are grey.
Unlinking the OneDrive account makes no difference.

I've manually removed the Documents folder from my online version of OneDrive.
However, when I link it again, the Document folder shows up again and it is again not possible to deselect its backup.

Since all solutions provided on elevenforums require deselecting the backup of the affected folder, I am lost.

I've checked the registry, it has "Personal", "My Pictures" and "Desktop" in OneDrive, also some {0DDD015D-3873GBJFBH-etc pp} files are in OneDrive.
The other user files are in their default location.
I have 2 files for pictures ("Pictures" and "Gallery"), one is local and the other one on OneDrive.


Any idea how to either/or
1) move the Documents folder to a local location?
2) enable deselecting the syncing of the Documents folder in OneDrive?
3) Resetting Windows and do something different in the set up so this issue wouldn't happen in the first place?
4) have all my games automatically store savegames elsewhere?

Appreciate any directions.
Thank you.

Hi there, welcome to the ElevenForums

I think @glasskuter has possibly addressed some of your concerns here:

(Best you make an image of your current install so you don’t have to keep resetting? Do you know how?)

glasskuter said:

2 scenarios to do away with Onedrive-
SCENARIO 1 If during oobe setup you used a local account, it will not be tied to onedrive. All you have to do is disable onedrive from autostarting in
Task Manager-Startup Apps.
You can also uninstall it, but it will probably come back through an update. Disabling is a preferable option.

SCENARIO 2 If you set up your computer using a Microsoft account and that account is synced to Onedrive
You first have to turn off backup folder syncing. This tutorial tells you how and also how to get your files onto your local drive.
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/turn-on-or-off-onedrive-folder-backup-syncing-across-windows-11-devices.4321/

NOTE: ONLY IF FOLDERS DO NOT MOVE TO DEFAULT LOCATION IN STEP 1 ABOVE DO THIS
If this happens, then you could try option three below to restore the default folder location and move your files manually from Onedrive into the folders..

• Move or Restore Default Location of Desktop Folder in Windows 11
• Move or Restore Default Location of Documents Folder in Windows 11 Tutorial
• Move or Restore Default Location of Pictures Folder in Windows 11
• Move or Restore Default Location of Videos Folder in Windows 11

2. Then you have to unlink account & PC from onedrive.
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/unlink-account-and-pc-from-onedrive-in-windows-11.15162/
Once you do this the files you have in onedrive will remain there until you login to Onedrive on the Web and delete them.
Sign in - Microsoft OneDrive

3. You can then either uninstall Onedrive or disable it. I prefer to disable it. Open Task Manager>Startup Apps
Find Onedrive in the list and, right click on it, select disable. This prevents Onedrive from auto-starting.

4. If you want to uninstall it instead use Revo Uninstaller Freeware Portable. Be sure to delete any leftover files and registry entries Revo finds. Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download

Click to expand...

Thanks for the welcome!

That is one of the sources I consulted but the entire approach hinges on being able to deselect the affected folder from syncing/backing up and that is not working for me.
I can't deselect the Documents folder from backing up when linking the account, even though I've emptied and deleted it online.

The problem is that you want to sync some but not all. This could be a problem I’ll let someone else advise you on.

My advice would be to work out how to move the game saves to a different folder or drive other than the Documents folder. Isn’t that possible with most games? You’d have to check on that separately.
I only play GTA and it’s an easy process to move save folders. I couldn’t advise you on any other game.

mxlila said:

I can't deselect the Documents folder from backing up when linking the account

Click to expand...

I would of thought this tutorial would address that?

In option 4, you get to include or remove particular folders.

mxlila said:

deselect the affected folder from syncing/backing up and that is not working for me.

Click to expand...

How are you being prevented, what happens?

I don't know if anyone will see this but it solved the problem for me.
Windows 10/11 User Shell Folders Restore Default Paths
Good day

mxlila said:

I don't know how to change Games' savegame locations

Click to expand...

I don't know what games you're playing but I think there should an option in the games to change the default save location.