Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive (2024)

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If you want to stop syncing for a short time, learnHow to pause and resume sync in OneDrive.

If you want to stop syncing a file, readHow to stop or cancel sync in OneDrive.

If you want to remove a OneDrivefolder from your computer, follow the steps inChoose which OneDrive folders to sync to your computer.

If you want to cancel your OneDrivesubscription, see How to cancel your Microsoft subscription.

If you want to sign out of OneDriveon the web, select your profile photo, then selectSign out.

If you just don't want to use OneDrive, the easiest solution is to unlink it.

Unlink OneDrive

You won't lose files or data by unlinkingOneDrive fromyour computer. You can always access your files by signing in to OneDrive.com.

Windows

  1. Select the OneDrive cloud in your notification area to show the OneDrive pop-up.
    Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive (2)

  2. Go to theAccounttab.
    Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive (3)

  3. Select the OneDrive Help and Settings iconthen selectSettings

macOS

  1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon up in your Menu bar, click the three dots to open the menu, and selectPreferences.

  2. Go to theAccounttab.

  3. SelectUnlink this PC.

Hide or uninstall OneDrive

On some versions of Windows, you can also hide or uninstall OneDrive. You can also uninstall the OneDrive mobile app from Android and iOS devices.

OneDrive is built in to some versions of Windows and can't be uninstalled. But you can hide it and stop the sync process, so it stays hidden. To do this, turn off all the OneDrive settings and remove the OneDrive folder from File Explorer.

Windows 10/11

  1. Select the white or blue OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

    Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive (4)

    Note:You might need to click the Show hidden icons arrow Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive (5) next to the notification area to see the OneDrive icon. If the icon doesn't appear in the notification area, OneDrive might not be running. Select Start, type OneDrive in the search box, and then select OneDrive in the search results.

  2. Select Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive (6) > Settings.

    Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive (7)

  3. On the Settings tab, uncheck all the boxes under General.

  4. On the Auto Save tab, set the Documents and Pictures lists to This PC only, and uncheck the other boxes.

  5. On the Account tab, click Choose folders.

  6. In the Sync your OneDrive files to this PC box, check and uncheck the box at Sync all files and folders in my OneDrive. (The first check selects all the boxes, then the uncheck clears them all.) Click OK to close the box and return to settings.

    This step removes all OneDrive files from your computer, but leaves them on OneDrive.com.

  7. Click OK to save your changes in the Settings box.

  8. Open the Settingsagain. On the Account tab, click Unlink OneDrive. Close the Welcome to OneDrive box that appears.

  9. Open File Explorer, right-click OneDrive, and then click Properties.

    On the General tab, next to Attributes, check the Hidden box. This hides OneDrive from File Explorer.

  10. One more time, select Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive (8) and select Quit OneDrive. This removes the OneDrive icon from the Notifications area.

Windows 8.1

Important:Beginning January 1, 2022, we are ending support for selectedOneDrivedesktop appsrunning on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Learn more.

  1. In your computer's Start menu, press and hold or right-click the OneDrive tile, and then select Unpin from Start.

  2. Go to PC Settings, using the PC Settings tile in the Start menu, or swipe in from the right edge of the screen, select Settings, and then select Change PC settings.

  3. Under PC settings, select OneDrive.

  4. On the File Storage tab, turn off the switch at Save documents to OneDrive by default.

  5. On the Camera roll tab, select Don't upload photos and turn off the switch at Automatically upload videos to OneDrive.

  6. On the Sync settings tab, under Sync settings with OneDrive, turn off the switch at Sync your settings on this PC.

  7. On the Metered connections tab, turn off all the switches.

  8. To hide OneDrive from File Explorer, open File Explorer and in the folder list on the left, right-click OneDrive and then click Properties.

    On the General tab, at Attributes, check the Hidden box.

You won't lose files or data by uninstallingOneDrive fromyour computer. You can always access your files by signing in to OneDrive.com.

Windows 10

  1. Select the Start button, type Programs in the search box, and then select Add or remove programs in the list of results.

  2. Under Apps & features, find and select Microsoft OneDrive, and then select Uninstall. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Windows 8.1

  1. The OneDrive app comes with Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 and cannot be uninstalled.

Windows 7 or Windows Vista

Important:Beginning January 1, 2022, we are ending support for selectedOneDrivedesktop appsrunning on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Learn more.

  1. Click the Start button, then in the search box, type Add Programs, and then, in the list of results, click Programs and Features.

  2. Click Microsoft OneDrive, and then click Uninstall. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Android devices

  1. Go to Settings and select Storage/Memory.

  2. Select OneDrive and tap Uninstall.

iOS devices

  1. Go to the Home Screen, tap and hold on the OneDrive app icon

  2. Tap X that appears in the upper left corner of the app icon.

macOS

  1. Just drag the OneDrive app to the Trash.

Need more help?

How to cancel an upload or stop a download in OneDrive

Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive (9)

Contact Support
For help with your Microsoft account andsubscriptions, visitAccount & Billing Help.

For technical support, go to Contact Microsoft Support, enter your problem and select Get Help. If you still need help, selectContact Supportto be routed to the best support option.

Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive (10)

Admins
Admins should view Help for OneDrive Admins, the OneDrive Tech Community or contactMicrosoft 365 for business support.

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As a seasoned technology expert with a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft products and services, I can confidently dissect the information provided in the article regarding troubleshooting and managing OneDrive. My depth of knowledge in this domain stems from hands-on experience, continuous learning, and staying abreast of the latest updates in the tech industry.

Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:

  1. Pausing and Resuming Sync in OneDrive:

    • If users want to temporarily stop syncing, they can follow the guidelines on how to pause and resume sync in OneDrive.
  2. Stopping Sync for a File or Removing a OneDrive Folder:

    • Users can learn how to stop syncing a specific file or remove a OneDrive folder from their computer.
  3. Canceling OneDrive Subscription and Signing Out:

    • The article provides instructions on canceling a OneDrive subscription and signing out of OneDrive on the web.
  4. Unlinking OneDrive:

    • Users are advised that if they simply don't want to use OneDrive, the easiest solution is to unlink it. This action won't result in data loss, and files can still be accessed through OneDrive.com.
  5. Hiding or Uninstalling OneDrive:

    • Depending on the version of Windows, users can hide or uninstall OneDrive. The steps for Windows 10/11 and Windows 8.1 are provided, along with the important note about the end of support for selected OneDrive desktop apps on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1.
  6. Uninstalling OneDrive:

    • Specific instructions are given for uninstalling OneDrive from Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7 or Windows Vista.
  7. Uninstalling OneDrive from Mobile Devices:

    • For Android and iOS devices, users can uninstall the OneDrive mobile app using the respective device settings.
  8. Additional Support Options:

    • The article concludes with information on canceling uploads or stopping downloads in OneDrive. Users are directed to contact support for Microsoft accounts and subscriptions, and admins are guided to specific resources for OneDrive administration.

This comprehensive guide caters to users of various Windows versions and devices, showcasing a meticulous approach to troubleshooting and managing OneDrive effectively. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on these concepts, feel free to ask.

Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive (2024)

FAQs

Can I disable or uninstall OneDrive? ›

OneDrive is built in to some versions of Windows and can't be uninstalled. But you can hide it and stop the sync process, so it stays hidden. To do this, turn off all the OneDrive settings and remove the OneDrive folder from File Explorer. Unlink OneDrive.

What would happen if I disable OneDrive? ›

You won't lose files or data by disabling or uninstalling OneDrive on your computer. You can always access your files by signing in to OneDrive.com. In Windows 10, OneDrive is the default save location for your files and documents.

What happens if you uninstall OneDrive? ›

Uninstalling the OneDrive application from your PC does not delete the files stored in your OneDrive folder. Those files remain on your device and are accessible through File Explorer. However, any changes to these files will no longer synchronize with the cloud since the syncing client is removed.

What happens if you disable OneDrive on startup? ›

It is worth mentioning that by disabling OneDrive from startup, the program will not launch automatically, but you can still manually open it whenever you need to access your files.

Do I need OneDrive on my computer? ›

No, OneDrive is not necessary for Windows. You can uninstall it if you do not want to use it, and use other tools, like EaseUS Todo Backup Home to protect your data.

How do I stop OneDrive from syncing folders without deleting files? ›

Step 1: Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray or menu bar. Step 2: Head to Settings > Account > Choose folders. Step 3: Uncheck the folders you want to un-sync while keeping others checked. Step 4: Click OK to apply the changes.

How do I stop OneDrive from syncing folders? ›

Open OneDrive settings (select the OneDrive cloud icon in your notification area, and then select the OneDrive Help and Settings icon then Settings.) Go to the Account tab. Select Choose folders. In the Choose Folders dialog box, uncheck any folders you don't want to sync to your computer and select OK.

How do I stop OneDrive from syncing? ›

Go to Start, type OneDrive in the search box, and select OneDrive for work or school. Select Settings. Select the folder you want to stop syncing, and then select OK.

Does deleting from OneDrive delete permanently? ›

Files deleted from OneDrive are kept in the OneDrive Recycle Bin for 30 days for personal accounts. The files can be restored to OneDrive before then, or you can permanently delete them from your OneDrive. Note: If your recycle bin is full, the oldest items will be automatically deleted after three days.

Does deleting Microsoft account delete OneDrive? ›

You won't lose files or folder by removing an account. After unlinking, all your files will be available from OneDrive on the web.

How do I save files to my computer instead of OneDrive? ›

How to Disable Windows 10 from using OneDrive as the default save location
  1. Right-click on the 'Start' button in the bottom left corner of your screen and click on 'System. '
  2. Click on 'Storage. '
  3. Click on 'Change where new content is saved. '
  4. Change all the categories you want to move from OneDrive to your C: drive.
Dec 13, 2023

How do I remove OneDrive files from my computer? ›

Delete files or folders in OneDrive
  1. On your taskbar, select File Explorer. .
  2. Select your OneDrive folder, select the items you want to delete, and press the Delete key on your keyboard.

Why does OneDrive keep popping up? ›

In the OneDrive settings, switch to the “Settings” tab. Under the “General” section, uncheck the box that says “Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows”. Hit “o*k” to save changes.

Does resetting Windows delete OneDrive? ›

When you reset Windows, that does not affect your files online that are synced to OneDrive from any of your PCs, they will not be deleted, and if you do not want the files to re-download to that PC, do not log in with the same Microsoft Account after the reset.

How do I permanently stop OneDrive from syncing? ›

Stop syncing everything
  1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon from the taskbar or menubar and select Settings.
  2. Select then Settings again and go to the Account tab.
  3. Select Unlink this PC.

How do I stop files from going to OneDrive? ›

Short answer, you can stop files from going to OneDrive in three easy steps: Go to OneDrive settings. Click the taskbar icon > click “More (three dots)” in the pop-up window. Click “Pause syncing”.

How do I clean up OneDrive? ›

Your deleted files and folders go to the OneDrive recycle bin from which you can restore files if you need to. First, select Recycle bin in the OneDrive left side navigation. To permanently delete specific files or folders from the recycle bin, select those items, then select Delete in the top navigation.

How do I stop OneDrive from syncing to my desktop? ›

To stop OneDrive from syncing desktop shortcuts, you must stop it from syncing your Desktop folder. Go into OneDrive settings, click "Manage Backup," and toggle the "Desktop" folder off. Repeat this process on your other PCs running OneDrive.

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