In this onedrive tutorial, we will see different ways to stop onedrive automatically backing up.
OneDrive is a practical cloud storage application that can help you save a lot of space on your devices. It works in a way to automatically sync the data present in your device with your registered Microsoft account.
However, for various reasons, we sometimes want to stop the syncing or backing up procedure of the app either temporarily or permanently, and we are here to help you out with that!
In this article, we have talked mainly about how to stop OneDrive from backing up data. We have also mentioned some related aspects of the application related to backing up and how you could use that to improve how you handle the app.
Read along to get better insights on the topic and customize your work as you wish.
How To Stop OneDrive From Backing Up?
Due to various reasons, it is natural to want to halt the backing-up process in OneDrive. We understand that completely; hence, we are here with a short guide on making that process easier and simpler for you. Stay along to know about it!
1. Pausing the Back-Up Temporarily
If you wish to cease the backup temporarily, you can pause the syncing of the files whenever you want. Here’s how you can do it.
- Look for the OneDrive icon. Usually, it can be found in the task i.e., the top-right corner of your screen, adjacent to the place where the date and time are displayed. Sometimes you can find it in the hidden icons menu. Look thoroughly into that area.
- Click on the Gear icon and then choose Pause Syncing.
- You can choose the period you wish to pause the backing-up process. To get it resumed manually, you can navigate to the OneDrive icon on your device, and on selecting the gear icon, and click on Resume Syncing.
There you go. These simple steps can help you get the backing up procedure halted for a temporary time.
Check How to Add OneDrive to Finder
2. Pausing The Back-Up Permanently Or For A Long Period
If you wish to stop the backup of the files and folders for quite a long time or even permanently, the steps for facilitating that are somewhat different than the temporary option.
Here is a short guide you can look forward to while going about the procedure.
- Navigate to the OneDrive icon and click on it to open the application.
- Click the gear icon and then proceed to Preferences.
- Go to the Account tab and then click on the ‘Unlink this PC’ option.
- Next, tap on ‘Unlink Account’ displayed on the screen.
By following these steps, you can quickly cease the process of backup for OneDrive for a long time or on a permanent note. It depends totally on what you’re looking for.
However, if you’re unsure about the duration you wish to halt the process, it is always better to go for the pausing procedure for a temporary note.
Read Make Sure OneDrive is running on your PC, then try again
3. Disabling OneDrive From Getting Loaded At Startup
Another option you could look for is preventing OneDrive from getting loaded automatically at startup. It can help you pause the backup for a particular period until you enable it again.
Let’s check out how.
- Open the OneDrive app on your Mac screen.
- Now, click on the Apple icon on the top-left and choose System Settings
- Go to General and select Login Items.
- Here, select OneDrive and click on the – icon below
Doing this can help you stop OneDrive from opening right at the time when you start your computer daily. The same steps must be followed if you wish to resume the startup procedure on your device.
Read How to Download a File from OneDrive
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Backing-Up Process Enabled For OneDrive?
Having the backup procedure enabled for OneDrive can have some appreciable advantages without bothering you much about it. Read about them here.
1. You Can Access The Documents At Any Desired Time
When your backup option turns on for OneDrive, the platform stores all the data in its cloud, these data can be accessed from any location with an active internet connection. The files can be viewed more quickly than before, and you can only worry about losing them if you delete them permanently from the drive.
2. Encrypted Application
Just like any other well-known backup platform, OneDrive also provides you with the facility of encryption with high-level encryption, such as 448-bit Blowfish or 256-bit AES. Thus, stay assured while data transfer about any issue coming up regarding security.
What Are The Limitations Of Having Backing Up Enabled For OneDrive?
The limitations posed by the backup for OneDrive can usually work as reasons behind people wishing to pause the backup procedure here. Let’s see what they could be.
1. Lack Of Direct Control
With the backup enabled on your device for any cloud-based backup application, you lose the authority or ownership over the files or folders. This means that even though all files and folders get securely backed up to the cloud, sometimes you might be prone to losing them during the uploading procedure due to some internal glitches or some issues coming up.
Sometimes, the system might go down, which also brings in the possibility of you losing some of the data.
2. Compulsorily Requires Internet Connection
If your internet goes down, or you stay in a place with no internet connection, the backing up of data on OneDrive shall face difficulties, and the process will not be executed.
Regardless of these disadvantages, having a backup facility can always work as a good option for you. Even if you lose specific files from your device, you will know that you have the same stored in the OneDrive and do not have to worry much about it.
Last Thoughts
Putting a halt on the backup procedure isn’t complicated, but it’s good to have a backup facility if it does not create significant issues for you.
You can keep track of the documents you own, know you have stability, and hold over them anyway, which can be accessed at any desirable time.
Here we learned, how do I stop onedrive from automatically backing up.
You may also like the following OneDrive tutorials:
- OneDrive Not syncing on Mac
- How to Add OneDrive to File Explorer
- OneDrive Not syncing on Mac
- How to Add OneDrive to File Explorer
Robert is a tech expert (with more than 10 years of experience in using mac os and iPhone) who loves to help others learn about the Mac operating system and iPhone. He provides helpful tutorials on how to use Mac OS, tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Mac operating system, iPhone tips and tricks, and more. He’s always up for a challenge and enjoys learning new things about his favorite OS. When he’s not helping people get the most out of their technology, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two cats. Check out more.