For new Windows 11 PC configurations, Microsoft has provided that OneDrive cloud backup of various personal folders (such as Documents, Pictures, and Videos) is enabled by default. And without asking the user’s permission.
This is a somewhat unpleasant choice. First of all, because the less attentive user won’t notice it. Secondly, because it could fill the free space offered for a Microsoft account (i.e. 5 GB) in a short time. And therefore, potentially push users – and perhaps this is precisely the intention – towards the paid plans, which offer much more space for cloud storage.
In particular, it has been noticed that in the initial configuration phase, the one in which you are asked to enter your Microsoft account credentials, the function is now activated automatically.
How to turn off automatic OneDrive backup
However, there is the possibility of deactivating it, even after configuring the new Windows 11 PC.
By right-clicking on the OneDrive icon located at the bottom right, you can proceed Settings > Sync & Backup > Manage Backup.
From this screen it is possible to deselect the backup of the various system folders (Documents, Images, Music and Videos) and also of the files on the Desktop.
For each folder you see how much space they are currently taking up in OneDrive and also how much overall space they are taking up in OneDrive.
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