Onedrive removing original files from desktop

When OneDrive manages backups of folders like Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, here's what happens:

1. "Backup" in OneDrive terms ≠ making a copy.

• It moves the actual files from your local desktop into the OneDrive folder (e.g., C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive\Desktop).
• What looks like your regular desktop is now just a synced version inside the OneDrive system.

1. If you disable OneDrive backup, OneDrive may:

• Prompt to "Keep files in OneDrive" or "Move them back to this PC".
• If you miss this step or accidentally click the wrong option, it can leave your desktop seemingly empty—files are still in OneDrive cloud or folder, but not where you expect them.

What can you do…

1. Check the OneDrive folder:

• Look in C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive\Desktop for your missing files.

1. Search OneDrive online:

• Go to https://onedrive.live.com
• Use the search bar or check "Recycle bin" there

1. Restore backup to PC:

• If needed, manually copy/move files from OneDrive\Desktop back to C:\Users\YourName\Desktop

1. Turn off OneDrive folder backup properly:

• Right-click the OneDrive icon in taskbar > Settings > Sync and backup
• Under “Manage backup,” click Stop backup for Desktop, Documents, etc.
• Follow the prompts carefully to keep files on PC if that's what you want