Problems Solved: Three Common Windows Headaches (and Easy Fixes)
1) “I turned on OneDrive and now it’s stuck. How do I start over?”
Goal: Unlink this PC, clean up storage, and set up OneDrive again with selective folders.
A. Unlink OneDrive on this PC
- Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar (right side).
- Right-click → Settings → Account.
- Click Unlink this PC → Unlink account.
Your files on the PC stay where they are. OneDrive just stops syncing.
B. Clean up the cloud copy (so you’re under 5 GB)
- Go to onedrive.com and sign in.
- Select big folders/files you don’t need in the cloud → Delete.
- Empty Recycle bin in OneDrive if needed.
C. Tidy your local OneDrive folder (optional)
- Open File Explorer → your OneDrive path (usually
C:\Users\<you>\OneDrive). - Move large folders you don’t want synced to another location (e.g.,
D:\Archive) or delete what you don’t need.
D. Set up OneDrive again with selective sync
- Click the OneDrive app → Sign in.
- When prompted, choose Change location if you want a new local folder.
- If you keep the old folder, choose Use this folder when warned it exists.
- Choose Back up options (Desktop/Documents/Pictures) only if you want them.
- In OneDrive settings: Account → Choose folders.
- Tick only the folders you want synced.
Tip for low space: Turn off large libraries (Videos, RAW photos, VM images). Use an external drive for bulk storage.
Bonus for admins: Prefer Known Folder Move (KFM) only for core folders. Avoid syncing Downloads or giant working sets.
2) “Will a Windows virus infect my Linux if I dual-boot?”
Short answer: Usually no—unless the malware attacks the bootloader/firmware.
- Most malware targets Windows user files. That won’t break Linux.
- Boot-level malware (MBR/UEFI tampering) can affect both OSes.
Safer setup options:
- Best: Install each OS on a separate physical drive.
- Keep UEFI firmware up to date.
- In Windows: make sure Microsoft Defender is active and updated.
- Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security → Open Windows Security.
- Fix anything with a yellow warning.
Practical take: Dual-boot is fine for most people. If you handle risky files often, use separate drives or run Windows in a VM from Linux.
3) “Can I move all programs, data, and tweaks to my new PC?”
Reality check: There’s no safe “clone everything” button from a 12-year-old PC. Old drivers and registry hacks can cause weird issues.
Best practice:
- Reinstall programs fresh on the new PC.
- Reapply only the registry tweaks you still need (and document them this time).
Good news: You can transfer files, settings, and Store apps with Windows Backup.
Move your stuff with Windows Backup (Win10 → Win11)
On the old PC (Windows 10):
- Open Start → type backup → Windows Backup.
- Click Transfer information to a new PC → Next.
- Leave this screen open.
On the new PC (Windows 11):
- Open Start → type Windows Back up (with a space) → open it.
- Enter the PC name shown on the old PC.
- A code appears. Type that code into the old PC.
- Choose what to transfer (files, some settings, Microsoft Store apps) → Start transfer.
What doesn’t move: Classic desktop apps (.exe/.msi) and your manual registry tweaks. Reinstall those.
Pro tip (for admins): Keep an app inventory first. In PowerShell on the old PC:
winget export -o Apps.json
Then on the new PC:
winget import -i Apps.json
You’ll still approve/adjust a few packages, but it saves hours.
Quick Checklist
- OneDrive reset: Unlink → clean cloud → tidy local → sign in → Choose folders.
- Dual-boot safety: Separate drives if you can; keep Defender and UEFI updated.
- New PC migration: Use Windows Backup for data/settings; reinstall apps clean; use winget export/import to speed it up.
