A guide on how to uninstall OneDrive on Windows 11. When a Windows PC is first set up, sometimes known as the “Out of Box Experience” (OOBE), OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud-based storage, and sharing solution, immediately activates. Unless you select a different setup, OneDrive is connected to your Microsoft account.
While the “set and forget” installation function is useful, you might not want your files saved on Microsoft’s servers in the cloud. Instead, you might favor keeping them locally, either on a disc or with another third-party provider. It might not be necessary for you to sync files between PCs.
Whatever the reason, here’s how to disable OneDrive on Windows 11. Below you can also see how to uninstall OneDrive completely from your PC
Using Group Policy Editor to disable OneDrive
If you're running Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, you can also stop OneDrive by using the Local Group Policy Editor.
The Windows 11 Home editions do not provide this feature.
To disable OneDrive using Windows 11 Group Policy:
- To open the Run window, press the Windows key and R on your keyboard.
- After entering gpedit.msc, click OK, or press Enter.
- Navigate to the next destination:
- OneDrive can be found under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components.
- Click the Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage policy after clicking the OneDrive folder twice.
- Exit Group Policy Editor by selecting the Disabled button, selecting Apply, and choosing OK.
- To ensure OneDrive is turned off on your computer, restart Windows 11.
Unlink Your OneDrive Account
It's a good idea to disconnect your PC from OneDrive when you want to disable OneDrive from starting up. The PC won't sync files once you unlink it.
To disconnect your Windows OneDrive account from it:
- Open OneDrive on your PC, and select Settings from the menu by clicking the gear icon in the top-right corner.
- Click the Unlink this PC link under the Account tab at the top.
- When the verification window appears, confirm that you want to unlink the account on your PC by selecting the Unlink account option.
- The OneDrive icon will turn grey with a line through the cloud icon when you unlink your accounts. You can see that you are not logged in by moving your mouse over the icon.
- In the future, if you wish to access your OneDrive account again, you'll have to sign in.
OneDrive will remain dormant if you unlink your account and disable Onedrive from starting up. You'll need to manually start it up and sign in with your Microsoft account information if you want to access it again.
Uninstall OneDrive on Windows 11
OneDrive can also be removed from your system by uninstalling the application. Using the Settings app, to uninstall OneDrive is simple.
In order to uninstall OneDrive from Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Use the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut, select Settings from the Start menu, or press the Windows key.
- Click the Installed apps option on the right after clicking Apps in the left column of Settings.
- Type OneDrive into the search box at the top, click the three dots next to OneDrive, choose Uninstall, and then select Uninstall once more to double-check.
Uninstall OneDrive using Windows Terminal or PowerShell
If you prefer to work from the command line, you may uninstall OneDrive with only one command by using the Windows Terminal or Windows PowerShell tools.
Using Windows Terminal or PowerShell, uninstall OneDrive:
- Click the Start button.
- To run PowerShell or Windows Terminal as administrator, perform a search and choose that option.
- Once the terminal opens, run the following command: Winget uninstall OneDrive
- While OneDrive is being deleted, a progress meter will be visible.
- Press Enter after typing Y to accept the source agreements.
- After receiving confirmation that the uninstall was successful, you can exit PowerShell.
OneDrive Out of Your Way
With the help of the aforementioned procedures, OneDrive will be less intrusive whether you deactivate the software or just disconnect your PC from it. It might be advisable to unlink your account and sign into it later if you want it back in the future. Disable OneDrive using Group Policy or uninstall OneDrive if you want to remove all traces of it.
You could also want to disable OneDrive in Windows 11 if you'd rather use a third-party service like Apple iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive. These services let you save and share files, just like OneDrive.
Keep in mind that these services aren't a full backup program. You should utilize a reputable cloud-based service like Backblaze, which costs $5 per month, for that. Or, you can use the tools included in Windows if you'd rather handle your data and backups locally.
For instance, the backup and restore tool allow you to create a complete system backup. Learn how to restore Windows 11 using a system image backup after making your system backup. Additionally, whenever you need to restart your PC, you should periodically establish a new restore point.