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MissJaynee406's avatar
MissJaynee406
Copper Contributor
Apr 17, 2025

New to Win 11 and cant figure out where my files are going

Using: Win11, Microsoft 365 subscription, Dell Inspiron AIO

Good Afternoon,

I purchased a new computer with Win 11. I screwed up the setup because I chose set up as a new PC so It's hard to find old files.

I would like to keep everything on ThisPC and only allow certain files/folders on One Drive. Right now, it looks as if everything is going to drive C and there are no folders available on This PC. This may be because before I stopped using my old computer, I backed up everything into OneDrive.

Q: How to change OneDrive configuration back without losing everything that is already saved in  the cloud?

Q: How to add folders to ThisPC? 

Q: I would like to save everything by default to This PC. If I do that, but have the correct folder set for one drive, will the file automatically save on my pc and save a copy in the cloud.

Thank you in advance for your help, I appreciate it. I hope I'm not as clear as mud. 

MissJaynee

 

microsoft 365
microsoft 365 apps
onedrive
windows 11

2 Replies

  • Kidd_Ip's avatar
    Kidd_Ip
    MVP
    Apr 19, 2025

    Take this:

     

    1. How to change OneDrive configuration back without losing everything that is already saved in  the cloud?:

    To adjust your OneDrive settings and ensure files stay in the cloud:

    • Open OneDrive settings by clicking the cloud icon in your taskbar.
    • Select "Settings" > "Manage Backup." You can disable specific folders (e.g., Desktop, Documents, or Pictures) from syncing. Your files will remain on OneDrive without being backed up to your PC.
    • Alternatively, pause syncing temporarily, move files to "This PC," and then re-enable sync for selected folders.

    2. How to add folders to ThisPC? :

    You can manually create folders under "This PC" (e.g., Documents, Pictures, or others):

    • Navigate to "File Explorer."
    • Right-click on your desired location (e.g., "This PC" or a drive) and select New Folder. Name the folder and organize files accordingly. If you want system folders (e.g., Documents, Desktop) to appear in "This PC," you may need to check the default save locations under "Settings" > "System" > "Storage" > "Change where new content is saved."

    3. I would like to save everything by default to This PC. If I do that, but have the correct folder set for one drive, will the file automatically save on my pc and save a copy in the cloud.

     

    • Set your default save location to your local drive ("This PC") via "Settings" > "System" > "Storage" > "Change where new content is saved."
    • For OneDrive, selectively sync folders. In OneDrive settings, choose which folders should sync by going to "Settings" > "Account" > "Choose folders."
    • Files saved locally on your PC can be copied or moved manually into OneDrive folders to ensure they’re backed up to the cloud.
    • MissJaynee406's avatar
      MissJaynee406
      Copper Contributor
      Apr 19, 2025

      Thanks so much for your reply, however, I think I should be asking these questions 1 at a time. I'm having a hard time understanding.

      I have 2 computers. The old one is running Win10. The new one is running win11. I've saved all my files to onedrive from my win10 computer. I don't want to use the Win10 pc anymore but I want to keep the files in the onedrive cloud. Should I unlink the Win10 computer with onedrive and sign into onedrive in the win11 computer to be able to use my files? 

      Thanks again for your help,

      Happy Holiday,

      Jaynee

       

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