Exclude File Types in OneDrive Backup on Windows 11

This article explains how to exclude files based on extension types when backing up with OneDrive in Windows 11.

The OneDrive app lets you sync files and folders on your computer with Microsoft Cloud. It allows you to access them anywhere on your mobile devices and other computers using the service.

You can automatically back up your essential folders (your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders) on your device with the OneDrive app.

While setting up a OneDrive process to back up your important files, you can exclude specific files based on extension types so they are not backed up to the OneDrive cloud.

You may want to exclude certain files from backup because they are unnecessary and take up valuable storage space. Additionally, backing up these files could slow the backup process and make it less efficient.

By excluding them, you ensure that your backups focus on the most essential data while saving time and resources.

Exclude certain file types from backing up with OneDrive

As mentioned, you can set up the OneDrive app to sync files and folders on your computer with Microsoft Cloud.

While backing up your files in OneDrive, you can exclude certain necessary files based on extension types.

Here’s how to do that.

First, open the OneDrive settings pane. You can access the Settings page by clicking the OneDrive icon on the Taskbar (Taskbar overflow) and selecting the gear -> Settings on the context menu.

One can also access OneDrive settings by going to the OneDrive folder in Windows File Explorer. Then, on the top right menu bar, expand the OneDrive button and select the Settings gear.

When the OneDrive settings pane opens, select Sync and backup on the left menu.

On the right, below Preferences, click the Advanced settings link to expand it.

Next, click on the Exclude button under Excluded file extensions.

On the pop-up window, type in an extension of the file type you want to exclude from backing up to OneDrive.

Ex. png

Click the Exclude button to add the file. Do this for each file type you want to exclude from backing up to the OneDrive cloud.

Save your changes and exit the OneDrive app.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Excluding specific file types from backing up with OneDrive in Windows 11 can help prioritize essential data and save storage space
• By excluding unnecessary files, you can enhance the efficiency of the backup process
• Remember to save your changes and exit the OneDrive app after excluding the file types
• Utilize the comments section below to share feedback or additional insights on the process