Before you disable or uninstall OneDrive, make sure the files you want to keep are stored on your Windows 11 PC. Files that exist only in OneDrive cloud storage need to download first. After that, you can stop folder backup, prevent OneDrive from starting with Windows, disable its scheduled tasks, unlink your Microsoft account, or remove the app.
Disabling OneDrive is usually the better long-term option. Windows updates may reinstall the app after you uninstall it, but the disabled startup, backup, scheduled-task, and account settings still stop it from doing its usual work.
Video Tutorial
Download your OneDrive files first
Do not uninstall OneDrive until you have checked your files. If a file is only available online, removing OneDrive can leave you without a local copy on the computer.
- Open File Explorer from the taskbar. If the folder icon is not there, select Start, type file, and open File Explorer.
- Find your OneDrive entry near the top left. It should show a cloud icon and may include your name and Personal.
- Right-click OneDrive and select Always Keep On This Device.
- Wait for OneDrive to download your files to the PC. The time required depends on how many files you have stored in OneDrive.
Check the folders and files you need before moving on. This is especially important for files in folders OneDrive backs up, such as your personal folders.
Turn off OneDrive folder backup
OneDrive can automatically back up selected folders. Turn this off so those folders are no longer backed up to OneDrive in the future.
- Open OneDrive and select Manage OneDrive Backup.
- Turn off each folder shown in the backup list.
- When OneDrive asks if you want to stop backing up the folder, select Stop Backup.
- Select Only on My PC, then select Continue.
- Repeat these steps for the other folders you want to stop backing up.
Some changes may take a little time to finish. Let OneDrive complete the process before you uninstall the app or unlink the PC.
Stop OneDrive from starting with Windows
Leaving OneDrive installed but stopping it from launching at startup helps reduce background activity. It also avoids relying on an uninstall that Windows may reverse during a later update.
- Select Start and type Task.
- Open Task Manager from the Best Match result.
- If the left menu is hidden, select the three-line menu button to expand it.
- Select Startup Apps.
- Find OneDrive in the list.
- Right-click OneDrive and select Disable.
OneDrive will remain installed, but it will no longer start automatically each time you turn on the computer.
Disable OneDrive scheduled tasks
Windows can also run OneDrive tasks in the background. Disabling the OneDrive entries in Task Scheduler helps prevent automatic checks, backups, and other scheduled activity.
- Select Start, type Control, and open Control Panel.
- Use the search box at the top right to search for Schedule.
- Select Schedule Task under Windows Tools.
- Select Task Scheduler Library.
- Look for the OneDrive scheduled tasks in the list. Expand the window if you need more room to see their full names.
- Right-click each OneDrive task and select Disable.
Close Task Scheduler after you have disabled the OneDrive items.
Unlink OneDrive from your Microsoft account
Unlinking is an important final step when you want to disable OneDrive. Without the connected Microsoft account, OneDrive cannot back up your files to that account.
- Find the OneDrive cloud icon in the bottom-right area of the taskbar.
- If you do not see it, select the small arrow to show hidden icons, then find OneDrive.
- Right-click the OneDrive icon and select Settings.
- Select Account.
- Select Unlink this PC.
- Confirm by selecting Unlink Account.
Make sure your local file download and backup changes have finished before you unlink the account.
Uninstall OneDrive from Windows 11
If you also want to remove the OneDrive app, Windows 11 lets you uninstall it from Installed Apps. This can free about 500 MB of storage. Keep in mind that a Windows update may reinstall OneDrive later.
- Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
- Select Apps from the left menu.
- Select Installed Apps.
- Search for OneDrive.
- Select the three dots next to OneDrive and choose Uninstall.
- Complete the uninstall process.
If OneDrive returns after an update, the earlier settings still matter. Folder backup is off, startup is disabled, scheduled tasks are disabled, and the PC is unlinked from your Microsoft account.
More Windows 11 Tips & Tutorials:
Subscribe Now! 🙂
Discover more from Gauging Gadgets
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
