How to Remove OneDrive from Windows 11/10 and Mac

Why Get Rid of OneDrive from Window11/10 and Mac

OneDrive comes pre-installed on Windows 11, Windows 10, and is also available for Mac, but it doesn’t suit everyone. Some users prefer local storage or other cloud services, while others find OneDrive’s constant syncing, background activity, and interface interruptions inconvenient. Removing OneDrive can improve your system experience, especially if you don’t actively use it.

Here are some key benefits:

• ✔️ Free up system resources and improve performance
• ✔️ Avoid unwanted sync issues or duplicate files
• ✔️ Reduce clutter in File Explorer or Mac Finder
• ✔️ Stop auto-launch and background activity
• ✔️ Use your preferred cloud service without conflict
• ✔️ Gain full control over where your files are stored
• ✔️ Prevent accidental uploads of sensitive or large files

It may be time to remove OneDrive from your PC or Mac for a cleaner, faster, and more focused workflow.

How to Remove OneDrive from Windows 11/10

If you're a Windows user who no longer needs OneDrive, several methods are available to get rid of it safely. Whether you want to disable it, unlink your account, or uninstall it completely, the steps are simple. In this part, we’ll walk you through how to remove OneDrive from PC on both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Method 1. Disable OneDrive from Windows by Unlinking It

A straightforward way to stop file syncing without uninstalling OneDrive is to unlink OneDrive from your PC. This method suits users who want to keep OneDrive installed for occasional use but avoid automatic backups or sync conflicts. Unlinking helps reduce bandwidth usage and prevents accidental uploads to the cloud.

Keep in mind, though, that this does not free up disk space since the local OneDrive folder stays on your device. Additionally, OneDrive shortcuts may still appear in File Explorer, which could cause minor clutter. 

💡 Follow these clear steps to learn how to unlink OneDrive from PC easily and safely:

Step 1. Click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar notification area.

Step 2. Select "Help & Settings," then click "Settings."

Step 3. In the Account tab, find your linked account and click "Unlink this PC."

Step 4. Confirm your choice to unlink the account.

Step 5. OneDrive will stop syncing, and you can close the setup window.

Method 2. Uninstall OneDrive to Remove it from Your Computer

To reduce clutter and stop background syncing, you can remove OneDrive on Windows 10 and 11 by uninstalling the app. This method suits users who no longer rely on OneDrive and prefer other cloud storage services. Removing the app frees up system resources and eliminates OneDrive from the File Explorer sidebar for a cleaner interface.

Although the app is gone, your local OneDrive folder and cloud-stored files remain safe and accessible. If you want to stop OneDrive from working or showing up on your computer for good, uninstalling it is the best option.

💡 To help you take full control of your device, follow these steps to learn how to uninstall OneDrive from Windows 10/11:

Step 1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

Step 2. Go to Apps > Installed Apps (or Apps & Features on Windows 10).

Step 3. Scroll through the list and find Microsoft OneDrive.

Step 4. Click the three dots (or select it) and choose Uninstall.

Step 5. Confirm the action when prompted, and OneDrive will be removed from your system.

Method 3. Remove OneDrive from File Explorer

Many users prefer to remove OneDrive folder from File Explorer to declutter their sidebar without uninstalling the app. This method hides the OneDrive folder from the sidebar, giving you a cleaner and more organized navigation pane. It works well for users who prefer a simpler interface or manage multiple cloud storage services on the same device.

Removing OneDrive folder from File Explorer does not affect OneDrive’s syncing function, so your files remain safe and accessible. This approach allows you to keep using OneDrive in the background while keeping your File Explorer free of unnecessary shortcuts. Keep in mind that this method only hides the folder and does not unlink your OneDrive account or delete any stored data.

💡 Here’s how to proceed with removing OneDrive from File Explorer:

Step 1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, then type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Step 2. Navigate to the following key depending on your system:

➤ For 64-bit Windows: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}

➤ For 32-bit Windows: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WOW6432Node\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}

Step 3. Find the System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree entry, double-click it, and change its value from 1 to 0.

Step 4. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer or restart File Explorer via Task Manager.

Step 5. After reboot or restart, the OneDrive folder will no longer appear in File Explorer’s sidebar.

Method 4. Use Command Prompt or PowerShell for Full Removal

Using Command Prompt or PowerShell to get rid of OneDrive provides a thorough solution for users aiming to completely remove OneDrive from their system. This method offers precise control by disabling OneDrive services and deleting all associated files, leaving no traces behind. It suits advanced users who want a clean removal beyond what standard uninstall options provide.

This approach requires administrative rights and comfort with command-line tools, and the mistakes during the process could lead to system errors or accidental deletion of important files. Therefore, proceed carefully and follow instructions exactly. 

💡 For removing OneDrive from Windows, follow these steps:

Step 1. Press Win + S, type cmd or PowerShell, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.

Step 2. Enter the uninstall command depending on your Windows version:

➤ For 64-bit: taskkill /f /im OneDrive.exe then %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall

➤ For 32-bit: taskkill /f /im OneDrive.exe then %SystemRoot%\System32\OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall

Step 3. Press Enter to execute.

Step 4. Wait for the process to complete.

Step 5. Restart your computer to finalize the removal.

How to Delete OneDrive from Mac

Need to delete OneDrive from your Mac? This section explains how to stop syncing and fully remove the app to clear space and simplify your Finder sidebar.

Method 1. Sign Out of OneDrive to Disable OneDrive

Unlike other methods that focus on removing OneDrive entirely from your system, signing out of OneDrive on a Mac provides a less disruptive option. It allows you to pause cloud syncing without uninstalling the app or deleting any data. This approach helps users who want to temporarily stop using OneDrive, test alternative storage solutions, or reduce background processes.

After signing out, your files remain accessible in the local OneDrive folder, and the app no longer connects to your Microsoft account. It also avoids potential issues that may arise from deleting system-integrated components, making it a safer option for casual users or those unsure about fully leaving OneDrive.

💡 Follow these steps to learn how to turn off OneDrive on your Mac:

Step 1. Click the OneDrive icon in the menu bar at the top right of your screen.

Step 2. Select the gear icon (Settings) and choose "Preferences."

Step 3. In the Preferences window, go to the "Account" tab.

Step 4. Click "Unlink this Mac" to stop syncing files between your Mac and OneDrive.

Step 5. Confirm your choice when prompted. OneDrive will sign out and stop syncing.

Method 2. Uninstall OneDrive from Mac to Remove the App

Users who no longer need Microsoft’s cloud service and want a cleaner system often choose to uninstall OneDrive on Mac. This method completely removes the app from your computer, which stops background syncing and eliminates unnecessary notifications. By doing so, you reduce system resource usage and prevent future interruptions from OneDrive updates.

Although the app disappears from your Mac, your files remain safe and accessible through the OneDrive web version. Choosing to uninstall OneDrive on Mac offers a simple way to cut ties with the app while keeping your cloud data secure.

💡 Here are the simple steps to show you how to delete OneDrive from Mac:

Step 1. Quit OneDrive by clicking the OneDrive icon in the menu bar, then select Quit OneDrive.

Step 2. Open the Applications folder and locate the OneDrive app.

Step 3. Drag the OneDrive app to the Trash.

Step 4. Go to Finder, press Command + Shift + G, and enter ~/Library/Containers/ to find and delete the OneDrive-related folders.

Step 5. Empty the Trash to complete the removal of OneDrive from your Mac.

Method 3. Delete Local OneDrive Folders in Finder

This method involves deleting local OneDrive folders directly in Finder to free up space on your Mac. This approach helps clear cached files and synced data stored locally without uninstalling the entire app. It suits users who want to keep OneDrive installed but no longer need local copies of their files. Deleting local folders does not affect files stored in the cloud, so your data remains safe online.

Before deleting, make sure important files are backed up or accessible via the OneDrive web version to avoid accidental loss. This method provides a quick way to manage storage while maintaining access to your OneDrive account.

💡 Follow these steps for deleting OneDrive safely on your Mac:

Step 1. Open Finder and navigate to your OneDrive folder.

Step 2. Select the local OneDrive folders or files you want to remove.

Step 3. Right-click and choose "Move to Trash" or drag them to the Trash bin.

Step 4. Empty the Trash to permanently delete the files from your Mac.

Step 5. Confirm that the local OneDrive folder has been removed without affecting your cloud data.

Bonus Tip: Back Up Files Before Removing OneDrive from the Computer

Before you remove OneDrive from your computer, transferring your files is essential to avoid losing important data. CBackup offers a reliable and efficient solution for this task. It lets you transfer your OneDrive files to other cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox. This flexibility helps you keep your files safe and accessible even after uninstalling or disconnecting OneDrive.

CBackup supports scheduled backups, so you can automate the process and never worry about forgetting. Its user-friendly interface makes it simple to set up and manage backups, saving you time and effort. More importantly, it supports combining multiple cloud drives to increase the cloud storage space. 

💡 To ensure your files stay safe before removing OneDrive from your computer, follow these steps to transfer them to another cloud drive:

Step 1. Visit the CBackup website and create a free account. Log in to your dashboard after registration.

Step 2. Click Storage in the left menu, select OneDrive, and authorize CBackup to access your OneDrive account. Next, click Add Cloud and choose your backup destination, like Google Drive or a local folder on your computer. Authorize as needed.

Step 3. Go to the Backup tab and click Backup Public Cloud to Public Cloud. Select your OneDrive files or folders as the source, and pick the destination you added.

Step 5. Click Start Backup to begin the process. Track the backup status on the dashboard until it completes.

Conclusion

This post covers several effective methods to remove OneDrive from Windows 11/10 and Mac, including unlinking OneDrive, uninstalling the app, removing the OneDrive folder from File Explorer, and using command-line tools for full removal. Each method offers different benefits depending on your needs, from temporarily disabling sync to complete app removal. By following these steps, you can easily remove OneDrive from File Explorer and keep your system organized and clutter-free.

FAQs About Removing OneDrive from Computers

Here are some common questions about removing OneDrive and managing its presence on your system. Let’s dive into the FAQs to help you better understand how to remove OneDrive from File Explorer and handle related issues.

1. How to Solve OneDrive Synced My Desktop and Remove All My Files?

When OneDrive syncs your Desktop folder, it may move your files to the cloud, making them seem missing locally. To solve this and restore your files, you need to stop syncing and recover your data. Here’s how:

• 1. Open OneDrive settings by clicking the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
• 2. Go to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
• 3. Turn off backup for the Desktop folder to stop OneDrive from syncing it.
• 4. Check your OneDrive cloud storage online to find and download your missing Desktop files.
• 5. Move the downloaded files back to your local Desktop folder to restore them.

2. If I Uninstall OneDrive, Will I Lose Everything?

Uninstalling OneDrive from your computer does not delete your files stored in the cloud or on your device. The app simply stops syncing your files between your PC and OneDrive. Your files remain safe in OneDrive online and on your local OneDrive folder unless you delete them manually. 

Follow the steps to do that:

• 1. Before uninstalling, make sure all files have finished syncing.
• 2. Open your OneDrive folder and verify that your files are up to date.
• 3. Uninstall the OneDrive app from your computer.
• 4. Visit onedrive.live.com to access your files online anytime.
• 5. If needed, copy any important files from your local OneDrive folder to another location.

3. How to Remove OneDrive from File Explorer Quick Access?

If you want a cleaner File Explorer view, follow these simple steps to remove OneDrive from Quick Access.

How to remove OneDrive from File Explorer Quick Access:

• 1. Open File Explorer on your Windows PC.
• 2. Locate the OneDrive folder under Quick Access.
• 3. Right-click the OneDrive folder.
• 4. Choose "Unpin from Quick Access."
• 5. Restart File Explorer to confirm the change.