How to Stop OneDrive from Creating New Folders

If you are a PC gamer who also uses your computer for remote work, school, or creating content then you already know the chaos of a messy file system. OneDrive tries to help by keeping your documents safe in the cloud. But sometimes it goes off the rails. Instead of helping you stay organized it can scatter your files into places you never asked for.

I learned this the hard way after a recent update. Suddenly my video game screenshots were gone. Every single one of them had been shipped to some OneDrive location in freakin’ Narnia somewhere. Not only screenshots. Some of my games began storing saves and config files in random cloud folders too. I sat there staring at my screen like Who asked for this?

If you travel or work remotely then cloud syncing can be incredibly helpful. That does not mean Microsoft should rearrange your folder structure without permission. I tried to stop OneDrive from syncing and stop OneDrive backup, but that did not work. After spending hours trying to make Windows behave again I found a solution  on how to stop OneDrive from saving and creating new files that actually works.

This fix stops Windows programs from defaulting to OneDrive folders that do not even exist on your system anymore. You only need to change a few entries, and you gain back full control over where new files go.

Why OneDrive Creates New Folders Automatically

OneDrive tries to sync common folders so your stuff follows you from device to device. Sounds nice in theory. Pictures Documents Videos Screenshots Game Saves. Anything Windows thinks is important might be redirected to OneDrive.

The trouble begins when OneDrive resets after an update or when you make changes to your storage settings. Windows can hold on to outdated instructions and new apps still try to write files into cloud locations even after syncing has been turned off. When that location does not exist Windows creates a brand new folder inside OneDrive. Suddenly all your files take an unwanted trip straight into the cloud.

Most of us want a choice. Maybe your internet is slow. Maybe you prefer a local hard drive. Maybe you need your screenshots for quick editing. Whatever the reason your settings should matter more than automatic syncing.

A Friendly Fix You Can Do Yourself

I promise this is easier than it sounds. You will open the Windows Registry Editor. That might sound like a final boss move but this is not one of those scary situations where deleting the wrong line causes a meltdown. All the entries we need are clearly labeled. We will simply point Windows back to the correct folders.

Take a deep breath. We are setting Windows straight today.

Step One Open the Registry Editor

Press the Windows key and type Regedit into the search box. Click Registry Editor when it appears.

Windows might ask for permission. Say yes. You are just reaching the controls behind the scenes.

Once the window opens you will see lots of folders with long names. Do not let them intimidate you. We are going straight to the correct spot.

Step Two Go to This Registry Location

Copy and paste the following into the address bar at the top of the window then press Enter:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

Now you should see a list of folder entries that control where Windows puts your default files. In the Name column you will notice titles like My Music My Pictures and Programs. Some entries may look like random code with curly brackets but do not worry about the naming style.

Look closely at the Data column. That is where Windows is pointing your apps. If any entry includes OneDrive in the address then that is your culprit. Programs see that instruction and run straight to the cloud.

Regedit file that I had issues with. Removing the OneDrive from Personal fixed my issue.

Step Three Edit the Entries that Mention OneDrive

Now it is time to fix the problem. You will update every entry sending files into OneDrive when they should stay on your PC.

Right click an affected entry in the Name column and select Modify. A small window will pop up. In the Value Data section you will see a file path. Remove the part that says OneDrive from that path. Keep the rest of the address the same so Windows knows exactly where to send your files now.

Press OK to save the change.

Repeat this step for every entry that includes OneDrive in the Data column. Take a moment to double check your changes. Once everything is updated you are good to close the Registry Editor.

Your computer now knows not to dump game files, screenshots, and other content into random cloud folders again.

Extra Tips to Keep OneDrive Under Control

Now that you have reclaimed your folders here are a few more helpful adjustments that keep OneDrive from misbehaving again.

Check OneDrive Backup Settings

Right click the OneDrive icon in your system tray. Click Settings then Backup. If Documents Pictures or Desktop are listed under folder syncing you can turn those off if you do not want them redirected into the cloud. This keeps your local folders local.

Watch Out for Game Launchers with Auto Cloud Sync

Steam Xbox Launcher and Epic Games Launcher sometimes assume cloud saving is best for every game. You can open game specific settings and change save file locations if needed. That way your storage stays where you want it.

Make Local Storage Your Default

Go to Windows Settings then Storage and confirm your default locations for new saves and new content. Your computer will respect those choices and steer clear of newly invented cloud folders.

Why This Matters for Gamers and Power Users

When you game and work on the same PC your system gets busy. Screenshots video clips mod files and save files grow fast. Losing track of them is frustrating. Sometimes you need to find something right away and scrolling through OneDrive backups wastes valuable time.

Keeping your PC tidy makes every task faster. Game launches, load screens, and file browsing all benefit from a clean setup. You deserve to control where your own files live.

If you are traveling or switching locations a lot you can still use OneDrive. Just choose what it syncs instead of letting it choose for you. You should never be surprised by a missing screenshot again.

You did it. You fixed the problem that felt like a puzzle. You now know how to stop OneDrive from creating folders like it owns the place. If this helped make sure you share it with friends who are also annoyed by disappearing files. And if you want more helpful tech guidance for gamers who work and travel keep checking back. Your setup should work for your life not against it.