Need to revert back to Libraries

After migrating to W11 I decided to move my files away from libraries and back to simply a folder. Mainly because I don’t want everything stored on the cloud. Sometimes I’m without Internet. I was able to do that but now I’m having difficulty locating files. I’ve now decided to use the Windows default storage and to revert to Libraries. Directing me to a tutorial is fine.

Several days ago I tried moving my extensive folders BACK into W11 libraries and have royally messed up my storage system. Rather than continuing to rely on my own devices I decided to post here for some expert advice. See the attached figure. The first box is what I now have. Maybe that’s all that you need to see if you understand my dilemma. That first box has A, B, and C.

• If I click on “A” (the default library) I’m directed to my files/folders on the cloud PLUS a URL that will take me to the cloud files.
• If I click on “B” I get to the cloud more directly.
• If I click on “C” I get an error message saying that W11 can’t find the file.

Any help is appreciated.

Do you or do you not want to have the default folder location of your documents, pictures, videos, and desktop folders to be onedrive?

glasskuter said:

Do you or do you not want to have the default folder location of your documents, pictures, videos, and desktop folders to be onedrive?

Click to expand...

I prefer to NOT have my stuff exclusively on the cloud because I'm frequently away from the Internet. And I'm assuming (maybe incorrectly) that onedrive is Internet accessible only. That's what led me to do the moving/copying all my stuff to local folders. It's only due to my inability to navigate my files that I'm whipped into submission and wishing that I can take a few steps backwards (use onedrive/cloud as default).

If there's a way to use local only as I've been accustomed to do with prior versions of Windows (XP-10) then let me know - please.

lbeck said:

I prefer to NOT have my stuff exclusively on the cloud because I'm frequently away from the Internet. And I'm assuming (maybe incorrectly) that onedrive is Internet accessible only. That's what led me to do the moving/copying all my stuff to local folders. It's only due to my inability to navigate my files that I'm whipped into submission and wishing that I can take a few steps backwards (use onedrive/cloud as default).

If there's a way to use local only as I've been accustomed to do with prior versions of Windows (XP-10) then let me know - please.

Click to expand...

Turn "Files On Demand" OFF and you will have a real-time mirror between local OneDrive and cloud OneDrive. Your files will always be identical in both places. When you aren't connected to the Internet, you have access to all your files in your local OneDrive folder. When you later connect to the Internet again, cloud OneDrive will be updated to keep your files in sync.

lbeck said:

lbeck said:

If there's a way to use local only as I've been accustomed to do with prior versions of Windows (XP-10) then let me know -

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

If you want your files ONLY on your system drive, you can do that.

1. You first have to turn off backup folder syncing. This tutorial tells you how and also how to get your files onto your local drive.
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/turn-on-or-off-onedrive-folder-backup-syncing-across-windows-11-devices.4321/

NOTE: ONLY IF FOLDERS DO NOT MOVE TO DEFAULT LOCATION IN STEP 1 ABOVE DO THIS

If this happens, then you could try option three in the tutorials below to restore the default folder location and move your files manually from Onedrive into the folders..

• Move or Restore Default Location of Desktop Folder in Windows 11
• Move or Restore Default Location of Documents Folder in Windows 11 Tutorial
• Move or Restore Default Location of Pictures Folder in Windows 11
• Move or Restore Default Location of Videos Folder in Windows 11

2. Then you have to unlink account & PC from onedrive.
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/unlink-account-and-pc-from-onedrive-in-windows-11.15162/
Once you do this the files you have in onedrive will remain there until you login to Onedrive on the Web and delete them.
Sign in - Microsoft OneDrive

3. You can then either uninstall Onedrive or disable it. I prefer to disable it. Open Task Manager>Startup Apps
Find Onedrive in the list and, right click on it, select disable. This prevents Onedrive from auto-starting and nsgging you to log in.

4. If you want to uninstall it instead, the best way is to use Revo Uninstaller Freeware Portable. You’ll find Onedrive under the Windows Apps section. Be sure to scan for and delete any leftover files and registry entries Revo finds. Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download

5. You can also use option 1 in this tutorial to uninstall it. It will leave a few registry entries behind though, but it should not affect anything. Uninstall and Reinstall OneDrive in Windows 11

I don't do and never have done libraries but maybe you can find benefit in these related tutorials.

Are you wanting to keep your files in sync on both local OneDrive and cloud OneDrive? If you want to eliminate using OneDrive, follow what @glasskuter is saying. Otherwise, I can direct you how to turn "Files On Demand" = OFF, resulting in keeping your files in real-time sync between local OneDrive and cloud OneDrive. Whatever you like, we're here.

I thought of something else. Check your onedrive usage. Go to Onedrive on the web and log in.
What does it say in the bottom left corner (x.x gb used of x gb)

Thanks to you guys for your expert help. This interim "thanks" is because I'm so busy and about to go out of town (again without Internet). I'll report my success after I return. These appear to be workable solutions.....

Lee

lbeck said:

Thanks to you guys for your expert help. This interim "thanks" is because I'm so busy and about to go out of town (again without Internet). I'll report my success after I return. These appear to be workable solutions.....

Lee

Click to expand...

I wouldn't touch Libraries with a ten foot pole, but, if you want to play with all the MS goodies, @TraderGary can be a good example.
From reading his past posts, he apparently runs Windows 11 like Microsoft meant it to run.

So maybe you should also consider a clean install of Win 11, and then don't use ANY tweaks.
If you do that, we'll get you a TraderGary t-shirt.

The solution to all OneDrive problems...








Seriously, I got rid of all the OneDrive and Libraries junk, on Win 10 and Win 11.
I just make my own folders (on a storage drive), for things I want to save.

I get a lot LESS frustrated with Windows, when I removed all that junk. ^^

Thanks, Gary. I followed your suggestions and the Elevenforum tutorial and it worked exactly as I hoped.

I appreciate your expert help.

Lee