In this article, we will show you how to disable OneDrive on Windows to stop automatic backup and keep files on on your computer instead.

Are you looking to disable OneDrive on your Windows PC?

Whether you’re concerned about privacy, storage space, or simply prefer not to use Microsoft’s cloud storage service, disabling OneDrive is a quick and easy process.

Here, we will walk you through the steps to disable OneDrive, ensuring you regain control over your system’s storage and prevent unnecessary syncing.

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Why Disable OneDrive?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s briefly explore why you might want to disable OneDrive:

1. Privacy Concerns: Some users prefer not to store files on cloud services, even if they are secure. Disabling OneDrive ensures your files stay entirely on your local device.

2. Storage Space: If you’re using a limited storage plan, OneDrive might be taking up unnecessary space with its sync files. Disabling it can free up some valuable storage.

3. Improved Performance: Disabling OneDrive can reduce system resources usage, especially if you don’t use the service frequently.

4. Unwanted Syncing: If you don’t need the cloud sync feature, disabling OneDrive prevents files from automatically syncing between devices.

Now that you understand the reasons, let’s get to the steps of disabling OneDrive on your Windows PC.

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How to Disable OneDrive on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Step 1: Unlink Your OneDrive Account

The first thing you need to do is unlink OneDrive from your computer.

1. Click on the OneDrive Icon: Find the OneDrive icon in the system tray (bottom right corner of the screen). If you don’t see it, click the upward arrow to reveal hidden icons.

2. Open Settings: Right-click the OneDrive icon and select “Settings” from the context menu.

3. Unlink OneDrive: In the OneDrive Settings window, go to the “Account” tab. You will see an option to “Unlink this PC.” Click it, and follow the prompts to unlink your account.

By unlinking your account, OneDrive will stop syncing files with your PC, but it will not fully disable the service just yet.

Step 2: Stop OneDrive from Starting Automatically

To prevent OneDrive from launching automatically every time you start your computer, follow these steps:

1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click the taskbar and select “Task Manager.”

2. Find OneDrive in the Startup Tab: Go to the “Startup” tab and look for OneDrive in the list.

3. Disable OneDrive: Right-click OneDrive and select “Disable.” This will stop OneDrive from starting when you boot up your computer.

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Step 3: Remove OneDrive from File Explorer (Optional)

If you want to remove the OneDrive folder from your File Explorer for a cleaner interface, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R: Open the Run dialog box.

2. Type “gpedit.msc”: In the Run dialog, type gpedit.msc and press Enter. This opens the Local Group Policy Editor.

3. Navigate to OneDrive Settings: In the Group Policy Editor, follow this path:
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive.

4. Disable OneDrive: Double-click the “Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage” policy. Select “Enabled” to disable OneDrive completely.

5. Apply the Changes: Click “OK” to save your changes. OneDrive will no longer appear in File Explorer.

Step 4: Uninstall OneDrive (Optional)

If you no longer wish to use OneDrive at all, you can uninstall it completely from your system. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

2. Go to Apps: Click on “Apps” and then select “Apps & Features.”

3. Find OneDrive: Scroll through the list of installed apps and find Microsoft OneDrive.

4. Uninstall OneDrive: Click on OneDrive and select “Uninstall.” Follow the on-screen instructions to remove it from your PC.

Note: In some cases, OneDrive might not be listed as an app, as it’s integrated into Windows. If that’s the case, you can use PowerShell to uninstall it.

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Step 5: Disable OneDrive Using the Registry Editor (Advanced)

If you’re comfortable using the Registry Editor, you can disable OneDrive at a deeper level. Be cautious when modifying the registry, as incorrect changes can affect your system.

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to the OneDrive Key: Go to
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive.

3. Create a New DWORD: Right-click in the right pane, select “New,” and choose “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”

4. Disable OneDrive: Name the new value DisableFileSyncNGSC and set its value to 1.

5. Restart Your PC: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

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Conclusion

Disabling OneDrive can free up space, improve performance, and give you control over your files without the need for cloud synchronization. Whether you’re simply unlinking your account, stopping OneDrive from starting automatically, or opting for a complete uninstall, the steps we’ve outlined will help you get OneDrive off your system.

If you decide to use OneDrive again, simply reverse the steps or reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store.

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