Files save to onedrive by default in windows 10

While you can always choose where to save files that you create, your computer settings include default save locations for your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures files.

During Windows 10 setup, you should have seen a "Back up your files with OneDrive" screen telling you about the benefits of saving your files to OneDrive. (Before July 2019, the screen said, "Protect your files with OneDrive.") If you clicked Next, you set up OneDrive as your default save location. If you clicked the "Only save files to this PC" option, you set up your PC as the default save location. You can change this default save location any time.

Whether you save by default to your computer or to OneDrive, all your files are available on your PC. The OneDrive app built in to Windows 10 synchronizes your files between OneDrive and your computer, so they're backed up, protected, and available on any device. You can use Files On-Demand to free up space or to make sure files or folders are always available on your device, even when you're offline.

Tip: To move a file between a folder in your PC and a folder in OneDrive, use File Explorer or the OneDrive app to drag the files where you want them.

Set where your files are saved

You can change your default save setting any time. If you want to change where your files are saved by default, use the OneDrive app settings below. If you want to move your entire OneDrive to a different location (e.g., an external drive), see Change the location of your OneDrive folder.

1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

   

   Note: You might need to click the Show hidden icons arrow next to the notification area to see the OneDrive icon. If the icon doesn't appear in the notification area, OneDrive might not be running. Select Start, type OneDrive in the search box, and then select OneDrive in the search results.

2. Select Help & Settings > Settings.

   

3. On the Backup tab, under Important PC Folders, select Manage backup and follow the instructions to back up your Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders with OneDrive.

No matter which default setting you choose, you still can select the save location you want each time you save a file. When you click Save for new files or Save As for existing files, click OneDrive or This PC and then pick a folder to save your file to.

Important: If you stop protecting a folder, that folder on your PC may suddenly look empty. This is because the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders exist both under This PC and OneDrive, which might make them easy to mix up. When you stop protecting a folder, existing files stay in OneDrive and new files save to your PC.

Need more help?

	Get online help See more support pages for OneDrive and OneDrive for work or school. For the OneDrive mobile app, see Troubleshoot OneDrive mobile app problems. OneDrive Admins can also view the OneDrive Tech Community, Help for OneDrive for Admins.
	Contact Support If you still need help, contact support through your browser or shake your mobile device while you're in the OneDrive app. OneDrive Admins can contact Microsoft 365 for business support.
	Got feedback? OneDrive UserVoice is your place to suggest the features you'd like to see us add to OneDrive. While we can't guarantee any specific features or timelines, we will respond to every suggestion that gets at least 500 votes. Go to the OneDrive UserVoice.