How to Get Rid of OneDrive on Windows

“Get rid of OneDrive” can mean stopping automatic syncing, removing OneDrive from File Explorer, or uninstalling the app. These are different actions: unlinking keeps the app installed but disconnects this computer, while uninstalling removes the app without deleting your Microsoft account or the files stored online. Before making changes, identify which files are local and which exist only in OneDrive.

What You’ll Need

A Windows account with permission to change installed apps. Menu names can vary slightly by Windows version.
Internet access if you need to download files that are stored only in OneDrive.
A backup location, such as another drive or a different cloud service, if you want to keep copies outside OneDrive.

Step-by-Step

Check what is stored online. Open the OneDrive folder in File Explorer and look at the status icons, or sign in to OneDrive on the web. A cloud icon generally means the file is online-only; a green check indicates a copy is available on this device. Icons can differ with OneDrive settings and Windows versions, so confirm important files by opening them or checking the web account.
Download files you want to keep. For online-only items, open or download them while signed in and connected to the internet. To make a folder available offline, right-click it and choose Always keep on this device if that option appears. Wait for downloads to finish, then copy important documents to a folder outside OneDrive or to a separate backup destination.
Choose how completely to remove OneDrive. If you only want syncing to stop, unlink the PC in the next step. If you want to remove the program, you can also uninstall it later. Unlinking is reversible and usually the safer first move if you are unsure.
Unlink this PC to stop syncing. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar notification area. If it is hidden, select the up arrow. Open the gear or Help & Settings menu, choose Settings, then find the account section and select Unlink this PC or Unlink account. Confirm the prompt. The path and wording may differ slightly by version. This disconnects the computer; it does not close your Microsoft account or erase cloud files.
Turn off OneDrive startup if you are keeping it installed. In OneDrive Settings, look under the general or sync-and-backup options for a choice to start OneDrive when you sign in, and turn it off if available. Alternatively, open Windows Settings > Apps > Startup and switch OneDrive off. Menu names can vary slightly by version. This prevents automatic launch, but does not uninstall the app or necessarily stop a session already running.
Uninstall OneDrive if you do not want the app. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps (called Apps & features on some Windows versions). Search for Microsoft OneDrive, open its menu, choose Uninstall, and confirm. Follow the on-screen prompts. You may need an administrator account. Windows menu paths can differ slightly by version.
Check the result and your files. Restart the computer if needed. Confirm OneDrive no longer starts or appears as an installed app if you uninstalled it. Check the copies you saved outside OneDrive, and verify online files by signing in to OneDrive on the web. Removing the app is not the same as deleting cloud content.

Common Mistakes

Deleting the OneDrive folder to remove the app. That can delete synced files or send them to the recycle bin; it does not reliably uninstall OneDrive. Use Settings to uninstall.
Assuming every visible file is downloaded. OneDrive can show online-only files in File Explorer. Download files you need before unlinking or uninstalling.
Confusing unlinking with deleting an account. Unlinking disconnects one computer. It does not cancel or delete your Microsoft account or remove files from OneDrive online.
Deleting files while sync is active. Deleting a file inside a synced folder may also delete its cloud copy and affect other synced devices. Make an independent copy first.
Expecting uninstalling to remove every Windows integration. Some shortcuts or references may remain, and Windows features or workplace policies can affect what is available.

Tips

If you are uncertain, unlink first and use the computer for a while before uninstalling. You can sign in again if you change your mind.
Keep a separate backup of important files. A synced folder is not a complete backup because deletions and unwanted changes can sync too.
If you only want to stop one folder from syncing, open OneDrive Settings and check the account or sync settings for folder selection. Availability and wording can vary by version; confirm the folder’s files are safely stored before changing selection.
On a work or school computer, check with the organization’s administrator before changing OneDrive. Device policies may prevent unlinking or uninstalling.

Troubleshooting

The cloud icon is missing: Select the taskbar’s hidden-icons arrow and look for OneDrive. If it is not there, search the Start menu for OneDrive and open it; the app may simply not be running.

Uninstall is unavailable or fails: Restart Windows and try again from Settings. Make sure you have administrator permission. On a managed device, contact the administrator rather than trying to bypass restrictions.

Files seem to disappear after unlinking: Check OneDrive online and inspect the local OneDrive folder. Unlinking should not erase cloud files, but online-only items may not be usable offline. Download them while connected, or restore deleted items from the OneDrive recycle bin if they were removed.

OneDrive starts again: Check both OneDrive’s own startup option and Windows Settings > Apps > Startup. If an organization manages the computer, a policy may restore the setting.

You removed the app but still see a OneDrive folder: A leftover folder or shortcut does not necessarily mean the app is installed or syncing. Check Installed apps and confirm whether the OneDrive process is running before removing anything from the folder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling OneDrive delete my files?

Uninstalling the app does not itself delete files stored in your OneDrive account. Files that were downloaded to the PC may remain, but verify what is local and back up anything important before uninstalling.

Can I remove OneDrive from File Explorer without uninstalling it?

Unlinking the PC stops that computer’s sync, and turning off startup keeps the app from launching automatically. The OneDrive entry may still appear in File Explorer; Windows versions do not all offer the same supported way to hide it.

What happens to files if I unlink this PC?

The computer stops syncing with the account. Cloud files remain online, and locally downloaded copies generally remain on the device, but online-only files may require an internet connection to access.

Can I reinstall OneDrive later?

Yes. You can install or open OneDrive again using the official Microsoft app source, then sign in. Allow it to finish checking and syncing before moving or deleting files.

How do I delete files from OneDrive permanently?

Deleting cloud files is separate from uninstalling the app. Make sure you have another copy, then delete them through OneDrive and review its recycle bin; deleting synced files may affect other devices.

Further reading: Microsoft Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.