Windows 11 forces oneDrive backups during installation

Windows 11 has always suggested enabling automatic backup of key folders via OneDrive during installation. However, it was previously not mandatory. Recently, Microsoft has become so keen on using the cloud that the ability to skip this step has disappeared.

Installing Windows 11 is a simple process that surprisingly does not require any advanced knowledge from the user. The installation wizard guides the user step-by-step, presenting the benefits of various features with friendly graphics and animations. However, Microsoft is known for persistently proposing optional features to users. Previously, users could simply opt out of these, even though the "Yes" button was prominently featured.

One stage during the installation of Windows 11 involves suggesting the user enable automatic backups and data synchronization with the OneDrive cloud. The concept is simple—the most important folders (which can be manually selected) are continuously copied to the cloud drive. If a computer fails or configures new hardware, they are automatically uploaded to the new system.

Some users consciously avoid using this feature to prevent their new computer from being cluttered with cloud data. As PCWorld pointed out, the option to skip this step has recently disappeared from the Windows 11 installer. Automatic file synchronization with OneDrive is now active from the start, and users cannot opt-out during the installation.

Fortunately, you can disable this feature later. Simply go to the Windows 11 settings and turn off automatic data synchronization in the section related to synchronization and backup options. However, this does not change the fact that right after installing Windows 11 on a new computer, if there is an active internet connection (especially if it is fast), all the files from the cloud might appear on the desktop and among documents before the user has a chance to react.