Microsoft has implemented OneDrive to work as a native cloud service in Windows 11, but not all users want it on their PC.

Unlinking the account may be the fastest solution

  • If you have better alternatives to cloud backup, you can easily remove OneDrive from Windows 11.

  • We also covered a few ways to disable the app, stop it from running, or pause syncing on your PC.

  • Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).

  • Click Start Scan to find Windows 11 issues that could be causing PC problems.

  • Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer’s security and performance

  • Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

Whether you prefer other cloud backup services like Google Drive and Dropbox, or you just don’t intend to save your data in the cloud, you look for a way to remove or disable OneDrive in Windows 11.

There are many options here; you can pause the synchronizing option for a certain period and think things over.

Does Windows 11 require OneDrive?

No, the new OS does not require OneDrive.

Although OneDrive is a pre-installed cloud service in Windows 11 that offers storage space for online file storage and access from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, you may delete it entirely from a Windows 11 PC without affecting any other aspect of Windows 11.

Some users may want to get rid of OneDrive because it has sync issues. However, you may fix sync issues rather than Disable the service.

Alternatively, you may sync it to an external hard drive. However, if you are adamant about getting rid poof the service, read the following solutions.

How can I disable or remove OneDrive in Windows 11?

  • Click the OneDrive icon in the status bar, click the Settings icon, and select Settings from the options.
  • In the next window, click on Unlink this PC.
  • Confirm the selection by choosing Unlink account.

If you change your mind and decide to keep it, learn how to disable OneDrive pop-ups in Windows 11 and keep it from interrupting your work.

That is how to turn off OneDrive in Windows 11 by unlinking it.

Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.Click here to download and start repairing.

Expert tip:

SPONSORED

2. Uninstall OneDrive

  • Click the Start button and select Settings.
  • Now choose Apps from the left pane and click on Apps & features from the right.
  • Wait until the list of apps is populated, then look for Microsoft OneDrive, click the three dots button from its right, and select Uninstall.
  • Hit the Uninstall button again to confirm your selection.
  • When you’re prompted if you want OneDrive to make changes to your PC, click the Yes button, then reboot your PC for the changes to take effect.

After that, the system will uninstall OneDrive from your PC, and you will no longer be bothered with any possible dialogues to sync your data.

3. Disable OneDrive using the Group Policy Editor

  • Press the Windows key + R to launch a Run console, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter or click OK.
  • Navigate to the following policy: Computer configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\OneDrive
  • Double-click the Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage key to open it.
  • Select Enabled from the top left corner, then click Apply and OK.

That is how to turn off OneDrive in Windows 11 using the Group Policy Editor.

4. Disable OneDrive using the Registry Editor

  • Press the Windows key + R to start the Run console, type regedit, and press Enter or click OK.
  • Navigate to the following key: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\OneDrive
  • Double-click the DisableFileSyncNGSC key. If you don’t find it in the list, right-click in the right window, select New, then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it DisableFileSyncNGSC, then double-click it.
  • Now enter 1 in the Value data field and click OK.
  • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

If the situation gets out of hand, we also have an article on how to fix broken Registry items in Windows 11.

5. Disable and uninstall OneDrive using Command Prompt

  • Click the Search icon from the Taskbar, type command prompt, and click on Run as Administrator to start Command Prompt with full privileges.
  • Type or paste the following command and press Enter to run it: taskkill /f /im OneDrive.exe %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall

That is how to turn off OneDrive in Windows 11 using your Command Prompt.

  • Show All Apps by Default in Windows 11 Start Menu [2 Tips]
  • How to Enable or Disable Copy Paste in Application Guard
  • How to Hide a Partition in Windows 11 [Easy Steps]

6. Prevent OneDrive from starting

  • Right-click the Windows button from the Taskbar and select Task Manager from the list.
  • Now click the Startup tab.
  • Click on OneDrive from the list and hit the Disable button from the bottom right corner.

If Microsoft OneDrive doesn’t start in the first place and doesn’t connect to your account, it won’t be able to perform any syncing.

And that is how to turn off OneDrive on Windows 11. While we have presented different solutions, you should choose whatever seems best for you. In most cases, all of the above methods should work perfectly.

The solutions in this guide will also stop OneDrive from syncing on your desktop and may remove OneDrive from File Explorer.

If you have any suggestions or questions, leave us a comment in the dedicated section below, and we will get back to you.

  • onedrive

Email *

Commenting as . Not you?

Comment