With Windows 8.1, Microsoft has added to cloud services such as backup and sync directly to the operating system. For those wanting to adopt cloud storage, it was the best the company has ever done. With a few clicks – or no clicks – every file, every setting is synced from your old computer to a new one. Many use OneDrive to sync seamlessly between their devices. Sometimes it’s a bad idea to have OneDrive sync things like your background.
The problem with OneDrive syncing is that many users don’t realize they’ve set it up until it becomes an issue for them. Not many are aware that OneDrive sync is tied to their Microsoft Account. A Microsoft Account is the username and password you create when you use a Microsoft service or device. For example, Microsoft Accounts are created when you sign up for an Outlook email account. They are used on Xbox One, Xbox 360, Windows 8 and Windows Phone. All this cross-platform stuff is great when linking your personal stuff together. It’s not entirely a good idea when you have a PC where you have to use your Outlook.com email address. for business. Your personal history can be your work history.
Here’s how to stop OneDrive from syncing your background in Windows 8.1.
For the purposes of this tutorial, you will need to direct your attention to the personal Windows 8.1 device you have. What we’re going to do is turn off sync there so it doesn’t affect your device at work. This is not the way you should do it; Microsoft makes it possible for users to end OneDrive sync on a per device basis. If you’re someone who wants your personal devices to sync between each other, it’s a better idea to end the OneDrive background sync from your work machine. Do what works for you.
Place your finger on the right edge of the screen and slowly slide towards the left edge to reveal the Charms Bar. If you don’t have touch capability, move your mouse cursor to the top right corner of your screen.
Now tap or click.
Tap or click on it from the drop-down menu on the right side of your screen. In our example, it’s at the bottom.
Welcome to the Windows 8.1 Settings app. You should have quick ways to add a password on the right side of your screen, change your Microsoft Account picture, and change the picture that appears on your lock screen. At this time, you do not want to change any of these settings. Instead, look left for. Tap or click this menu option. It is the third menu item from the top.
Tap or click .
This is the OneDrive Sync Settings area. From here, you can turn off almost the entire OneDrive sync experience. If you set up OneDrive with your device, every toggle on this screen is likely to be turned on. You can flip the home switch at the top of your screen to stop all OneDrive settings syncing, but I would suggest a more surgical approach.
Flip all three buttons below to get rid of all your theme changes synced across multiple devices. If you want to stop your background from syncing, turn the switch off.
Here you got it. That’s all you have to do. It’s important to remember to turn off only the settings you don’t want synced. I wouldn’t recommend turning them all off as it can help sometimes. Many Windows 8.1 users solve this problem by creating a local account that is not linked to a Microsoft Account. This is a bad idea because you can’t use the Windows Store or apps like Xbox Music. It’s a better idea to create different accounts.
Good luck with your Windows devices.
