Windows 11 now automatically enables OneDrive folder backup by default

Microsoft has quietly altered the initial setup process for Windows 11, making OneDrive's automatic folder backup enabled by default. Without any announcement, the company now ensures that users setting up a new Windows 11 computer — connected to the internet and signed into a Microsoft account — will find OneDrive automatically syncing folders like Desktop, Pictures, Documents, Music, Videos, etc.

This change could lead users to quickly reach the 5 GB free storage limit if they have substantial data in these folders. Many users might be unaware of this limit and subsequently receive prompts to upgrade to a Microsoft 365 plan, which includes additional OneDrive storage. This tactic continues Microsoft's trend of promoting OneDrive and other services aggressively.

To opt out of OneDrive's folder backup, users can navigate to OneDrive's Settings Sync and backup Manage Backup, where they can disable the backup for specific user folders.