How to Exclude Specific File Extensions from Backing up to OneDrive in Windows 11
Stop specific file formats from syncing to keep local folders lean and cloud space free.
Right-click the OneDrive icon, go to Settings, then Sync and backup. Under Advanced settings, find Excluded file extensions and click Exclude to add file types you don’t want to sync. This stops OneDrive from uploading new files of the specified types.
Why exclude files from OneDrive?
Excluding heavy media projects or scratch files keeps gigabytes of local-only work out of the cloud. This leaves breathing room for the documents that actually need to travel between machines.
What happens when you are done?
Adding an extension to the exclusion list tells OneDrive (cloud storage and file synchronization service) to stop uploading new files of that type to the cloud. Files already sitting in cloud storage remain untouched, so old items require manual cleanup.
How to exclude file types
You can easily exclude files OneDrive tries to sync by adding specific file extensions to the settings menu. Open the OneDrive app from your taskbar, go to your settings, and open the advanced sync options. From there, you can type in any file format you want to block so those types of files stay on your computer and never upload to your cloud storage.- Click the OneDrive icon in your taskbar .
- Select the Help & Settings (gear) icon and choose Settings.
- Click Sync and backup on the left side, then click the Advanced settings link.
- Find the Excluded file extensions section and click Exclude.
- Type the file extension you want to block (for example: “png”) into the box and click Exclude.
How to stop excluding file types
- Follow the steps above to return to the Excluded file extensions section.
- Look for the extension you want to allow again.
- Click the X button next to that extension.
- Click Ok to save your changes.
Summary
OneDrive syncs entire folders by default unless configured otherwise. Managing the Excluded file extensions menu stops unwanted items from crossing device boundaries.
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Richard
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Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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