What is the most frustrating component of Windows 11? If user feedback were collected, it would likely produce a long list of complaints.
One common grievance centers around Windows Backup, notably the “start backup” option visible in File Explorer.
When users navigate to specific folders in File Explorer, such as Pictures or Documents, they might see “start backup” highlighted in the address bar.
This feature aims to prompt users to back up their files with OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service.
While this can be irritating, especially for those who do not use OneDrive, the lack of an easy method to disable the feature adds to the frustration.
Although uninstalling OneDrive would remove the backup prompt, this option is only practical for users who do not utilize Microsoft’s cloud service. Many users inadvertently engage with it, as it is built into the operating system and linked to Microsoft accounts.
New Option to Disable Start Backup in Windows 11
Windows investigator PhantomOfEarth has discovered a new feature in the latest beta build released by Microsoft this week.
This update introduces a way to fully turn off backup notifications in File Explorer. It took nearly a year for Microsoft to roll out this user-friendly enhancement.
Currently, right-clicking on Start backup in the stable versions does not provide any options. However, in the beta, users will find two alternatives:
- Remind me in 1 month.
- Turn off reminder.
The first option temporarily hides the reminder, while the second option permanently disables it. If you do not wish to see it, select the option to disable Start backup in File Explorer, which will replace it with a generic PC icon.
Keep in mind that even after you turn off the reminders, Microsoft continues to show some information. Clicking on the icon reveals “backup reminder is off.” This small popup also provides details on how to re-enable the feature, which cannot be accomplished directly from File Explorer.
To restore the feature, users must navigate to the OneDrive settings.
How to Enable the Option
PhantomOfEarth has noted that the feature is disabled by default. You can enable it by following these steps (which may also be useful once it becomes available in stable releases, as Microsoft plans to roll it out gradually):
- Download the latest version of ViVeTool from the GitHub repository.
- Extract the contents of the Zip file to your local machine.
- Open the Start menu.
- Type cmd.
- Choose Run as administrator from the context menu.
- Use CD PATH to navigate to the ViVeTool directory, for instance, C:ViVeTool.
- Run the command vivetool /enable /id:47944061
- Restart your computer.
Following the restart, you should find the new option available when you right-click on the Start backup entry in File Explorer.
Image Source: Mojahid Mottakin / Shutterstock
