Removing OneDrive

Preview:

How to disable and remove OneDrive and why.

If you have a Microsoft account, you have a OneDrive account. Uninstalling OneDrive from a computer does not close your account or remove the data that Microsoft has. It is at OneDrive.com regardless of whether they are currently copying your data. However, removing OneDrive from your computer, will stop programs on your computer like Word or Excel from accessing those files. You'll need to download them from OneDrive if Microsoft has them, and you need them.

Why not leave it running?

The problem OneDrive creates occasionally, is that, besides nagging you to use their OneDrive to back up your computer, they can take over your documents folder and all the files in it and move them to OneDrive. They can also move your pictures or other folders. Then your files will be saved to OneDrive, and just synced back to your computer every so often. This can wreak havoc with your backup programs. They typically cannot back up OneDrive documents. Furthermore, if they were told to back up your documents' folder, they won't even know they should back up some OneDrive folder.

Disabling OneDrive

Even if you are going to uninstall OneDrive, begin by disabling it. If OneDrive is living on your computer, you can disable it this way.

Click on OneDrive icon in the system tray.
Choose settings.
Choose the account tab.
Select Unlink this PC.

This will not remove any files, it will simply stop Microsoft for downloading your files to their computers. If you want to access those files, you can get them by logging into your Microsoft account and downloading the files with your browser.

Uninstalling it, the recommended solution

Disabling could be all that is needed. If you have files in OneDrive, you might wait a couple of months to be certain you don't need them for anything, and just keep it disabled. I recommend uninstalling it because I don't trust Microsoft to not start it up again if they can convince you to log in to your Microsoft account for something. Always unlink your PC before uninstalling it.

To uninstall, right-click on the Windows Icon in the taskbar and select settings.

Uninstalling OneDrive

From the Settings Menu (1), choose Apps (2), then Installed apps (3). You'll find OneDrive under M for Microsoft OneDrive.

Then click the 3 dots on the right and select Uninstall.

If you ever decide you want to use it, you can download it from the Microsoft store.

An Excellent Video

Ask Leo has an excellent YouTube 8 minute explanation which is worth watching.

Date: November 2024

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

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Home Forms About Current Newsletter subscribe Search All Articles Browse by Category Security Internet Mobile Business Hardware Fun		Removing OneDrive Preview: How to disable and remove OneDrive and why. If you have a Microsoft account, you have a OneDrive account. Uninstalling OneDrive from a computer does not close your account or remove the data that Microsoft has. It is at OneDrive.com regardless of whether they are currently copying your data. However, removing OneDrive from your computer, will stop programs on your computer like Word or Excel from accessing those files. You'll need to download them from OneDrive if Microsoft has them, and you need them. Why not leave it running? The problem OneDrive creates occasionally, is that, besides nagging you to use their OneDrive to back up your computer, they can take over your documents folder and all the files in it and move them to OneDrive. They can also move your pictures or other folders. Then your files will be saved to OneDrive, and just synced back to your computer every so often. This can wreak havoc with your backup programs. They typically cannot back up OneDrive documents. Furthermore, if they were told to back up your documents' folder, they won't even know they should back up some OneDrive folder. Disabling OneDrive Even if you are going to uninstall OneDrive, begin by disabling it. If OneDrive is living on your computer, you can disable it this way. Click on OneDrive icon in the system tray. Choose settings. Choose the account tab. Select Unlink this PC. This will not remove any files, it will simply stop Microsoft for downloading your files to their computers. If you want to access those files, you can get them by logging into your Microsoft account and downloading the files with your browser. Uninstalling it, the recommended solution Disabling could be all that is needed. If you have files in OneDrive, you might wait a couple of months to be certain you don't need them for anything, and just keep it disabled. I recommend uninstalling it because I don't trust Microsoft to not start it up again if they can convince you to log in to your Microsoft account for something. Always unlink your PC before uninstalling it. To uninstall, right-click on the Windows Icon in the taskbar and select settings. From the Settings Menu (1), choose Apps (2), then Installed apps (3). You'll find OneDrive under M for Microsoft OneDrive. Then click the 3 dots on the right and select Uninstall. If you ever decide you want to use it, you can download it from the Microsoft store. An Excellent Video Ask Leo has an excellent YouTube 8 minute explanation which is worth watching. Date: November 2024 This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
		I attempt to provide reliable information, but make no warranty as to the accuracy or safety of these articles. I disclaim all legal responsibility for what following these instructions may do. Follow my advice at your own risk