How to Clear Cloud Synced Settings in Microsoft Account

This guide explains how to remove your Windows backup settings from the Microsoft cloud.

Windows Backup is a tool in Windows that saves your files, folders, and preferences. Why use it? It keeps your data safe if your computer breaks or gets lost.

When Windows backup is turned on is active, Windows saves your preferences across every computer you sign into using your Microsoft account. The feature to remember your apps also saves a list of your apps. What happens when done? You can quickly reinstall your favorite programs on a new computer through the Microsoft Store.

Windows also backs up preferences, such as your language preferences and accessibility choices. If OneDrive is turned on is enabled, your chosen folders will automatically upload to the cloud. What happens when done? Your files are available on any device connected to your account.

Why Clear Your Cloud-Synced Data?

You might want to delete this data for a few reasons:

• You no longer use a specific computer and want to remove its old data.
• You want to set up a new computer without bringing over old, messy settings.
• You want to improve your privacy by removing personal information from the cloud.

How to Clear Cloud Synced Settings

Note: These steps require you to be signed into your Microsoft account with full administrative access to your profile settings.

Step 1: Sign in to your Microsoft account

Go to the account.microsoft.com/devices page and sign in with your username and password.

Step 2: Clear stored settings

On the Devices page, scroll down to find the “Cloud synced settings” section. Click the link that says “Clear stored settings.” When the confirmation box pops up, click the “Clear” button.

Step 3: Remove settings from OneDrive

Visit your OneDrive account at Microsoft account. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the “Remove” button.

You will see a message confirming that your personal settings have been removed from the cloud. You can turn syncing back on later if you change your mind.

Summary

Clearing your cloud-synced settings helps you start fresh, fixes potential sync errors, and protects your privacy. By removing these settings through the Microsoft Devices page and your OneDrive account, you ensure that old configuration files are no longer stored in the cloud.

Reference: Microsoft