Windows 10: OneDrive Folder Issues and Removal Query

Hi Microsoft Advisors,Thanks for your previous help in resolving my boot menu issue. Your guidance was spot on and has resolved my problem. However, I now have another question that has come up following my recent update to Windows 10 version 22H2.Brian has referred me to open another support ticket for this issue.After the update, OneDrive was reinstalled on my system, and I've noticed a folder in my C:\Users\Me directory called OneDrive, which contains my Documents folder and Desktop. It is around 50 GB in size, which is unusual since I am using the free version of OneDrive that offers only

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OneDrive Folder Issues and Removal Query

Hi Microsoft Advisors,

Thanks for your previous help in resolving my boot menu issue. Your guidance was spot on and has resolved my problem. However, I now have another question that has come up following my recent update to Windows 10 version 22H2.

Brian has referred me to open another support ticket for this issue.

After the update, OneDrive was reinstalled on my system, and I've noticed a folder in my C:\Users\Me directory called OneDrive, which contains my Documents folder and Desktop. It is around 50 GB in size, which is unusual since I am using the free version of OneDrive that offers only 5 GB. Here are my specific concerns and questions:

1. Understanding Folder Content:
   
   • Are the Documents and Desktop folders inside the OneDrive directory actual duplicates, or are they the original folders being synced with OneDrive? The creation dates match the dates of the data in the "This PC" section for both my Desktop and Documents.
     
2. Space Usage:
   
   • Why is the OneDrive folder so large (50 GB) when I am only on the free 5 GB plan? Could this be an issue with how the data is being stored or mirrored?
     
3. Safe Removal:
   
   • What is the safest way to remove OneDrive and ensure that I do not accidentally delete my original files? I am considering using (BCU) to remove OneDrive completely. Will this ensure all remnants are gone?
     
4. Post-Removal Steps:
   
   • After removing OneDrive, is it safe to delete the OneDrive folder in C:\Users\Me? What precautions should I take to ensure I do not lose any important data?
     

I have already unlinked my PC from OneDrive and do not plan on using it in the future. Before making any changes, I am seeking professional advice to ensure the process is handled correctly and safely.

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NOTE: For privacy reasons, I have blurred out my name sections where "Me" appears. I am referring to the directories as follows:

• Image 1: This PC > Local Disk (C > Me > OneDrive - OneDrive folder location
  
• Image 2: This PC > Local Disk (C > Users > Me > OneDrive - OneDrive folder contents
  

I have attached several LINKS to the images below as I cannot seem to attach them directly.

Best Regards.

 

OneDrive Folder Issues and Removal Query

The OneDrive folder is built into the Windows operating system. Just because it's there doesn't mean it's syncing to OneDrive.

If you toggle the sync to OFF at Manage Backup, you can remove all folders from the OneDrive folder and restore them to their default locations.

Leaving the folders in the OneDrive folder, regardless of size, is also acceptable if you do not sign into OneDrive.

If you are having problems keeping your files from syncing to OneDrive, I suggest you create folders that cannot sync to OneDrive.

Locations such as C: Users>username>Folders cannot sync to OneDrive. Similarly, a new data partition on your hard drive cannot sync to OneDrive.

 

OneDrive Folder Issues and Removal Query

Hello, this is Emily.

I will go over your questions here:

Question 1: These folders are called the user profile shell folders. The ones you see in OneDrive are not duplicates. They are the same shell folders being synced to OneDrive. So plase do not try to copy them from OneDrive to your local folders, as they will then create actual duplicates and run into a dead cycle of sync.

Question 2: The space can be due to the fact that not all files are synced yet. Also Microsoft does allow you to go over, but then you will get warning and have to clear within x days before the account is suspended. So we will make sure this is resolved before it gets that far.

Question 3: To safely remove OneDrive from syncing these folders, do the following:

1. Right click on the OneDrive cloud icon on the lower right on your taskbar to go to Settings.

2. On the "Sync and Backup" tab, click on "Advanced Settings" to expand that section. Then under File On-Demand, click on "Download all files".

3. Give it plenty of time to allow the files to be downloaded from the online cloud. On your computer's file explorer, you can observe the OneDrive folder and its folders/files inside. You want all of the green checkmark icon to turn solid green with a white checkmark. Depends on how many files you have, this process can take a while, so please be patient.

4. Once all of the folders and files turn into the solid green icon with white checkmark, you can go back to OneDrive Settings. Very important - click on "Manage Backup" button, then turn off all folders listed there.

5. After you turn off the folders sync in Step 4, now go to Account tab, click on "Unlink this PC"

6. Go to your Windows Settings > Apps, find OneDrive and uninstall it. Restart the computer, and you will notice that your shell folder path will no longer have OneDrive in it. It will become C:\users\your username\desktop for example.

Question 4: Once you finish the steps from Question 3, you can safely delete content in OneDrive folder. Very important - only after you finish all the steps in Q3.