A Guide to Completely Uninstall OneDrive From Windows

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Things to Know Before Uninstalling OneDrive

With this understanding, let’s begin with the methods.

How to Remove OneDrive From Your Windows

Note: Uninstalling OneDrive will not remove the associated leftover files and registry keys from your PC. You will have to remove them manually, as we have explained below. However, if you use third-party tools (mentioned as one of the methods below), you won’t need to remove the residual files; the software will do it for you.

1. Using Control Panel

Step 1:Open theStart Menu, typeControl Panel, and chooseOpen.

Step 2:In the Control Panel, choosePrograms and Features.

Step 4:Click onOneDriveand clickUninstallfrom the menu.

That’s it. OneDrive will be uninstalled from your PC. There’s another way to remove OneDrive from your PC; keep reading.

Also Read:OneDrive storage guide: what counts and what doesn’t

2. Using Registry Editor

Step 1: Press theWindows key, typeRegistry Editor, and clickRun as administrator.

In the prompt, selectYes.

Step 2: In the top address bar, enter the following path:

Step 3: Find and double-click on theSystem.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTreefile to open it.

Step 4: Now,type 1in the Value Data field and pressOK.

Finally, reboot the system to implement the changes. And that’s it! After booting up your PC again, you will completely remove OneDrive from Windows.

You can go with the Group Policy editor if you don’t want to remove OneDrive from Windows using the registry.

3. Using Group Policy Editor

Note: Group Policy Editor is only available for Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise versions. You can skip this method if you are on Windows 11 Home Edition.

Step 1: Press theWindows keyson your keyboard, typegpedit.msc, and clickOpen.

Step 2: SelectComputer Configuration.

Step 3:In the right pane, double-click onAdministrative Templates.

Step 4: Select theWindows Componentsoption.

Step 5: Now, chooseOneDrive.

Step 6: Under the OneDrive option, double-clickPrevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage.

Step 7: Choose theEnabledoption. Finally, click onApply, followed byOK.

That’s it. You have successfully removed Microsoft OneDrive. Suppose you don’t want to go through the hassle of removing OneDrive from your PC. You can check out the next method.

4. Using Third-Party Tools

Third-party tools offer a more comprehensive uninstallation by removing leftover files, registry entries, and other remnants that the standard uninstallation process might leave behind. Tools like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller are popular choices. For demonstration, we will go with Revo Uninstaller. Follow along.

Step 1: Go toRevo Uninstaller’s official websitefrom your preferred browser and click Download.

Step 2:Double-clickon the exe file to begin installation once downloaded.

Step 3: In the Select Setup Language pop-up, choose your preferred language and clickOK.

Step 4: In the License Agreement section, chooseI accept the agreementand clickNext.

Step 5: On the next screen, choose the destination location and clickNext.

Step 6: Uncheck or leave the checked box next toCreate a desktop shortcutand clickNext.

Step 7: Finally, clickInstall.

Step 8: Once installed, click theFinishbutton.

The Revo Uninstaller is now installed on your computer and will launch automatically.

Step 9: Once the Revo Uninstaller launches, scroll down, click onMicrosoft OneDrive, and click on theUninstalloption at the top.

Step 10: In the pop-up, clickContinue.

That’s about it. This will remove Microsoft OneDrive and its associated files altogether from your computer. However, if you have utilized any of the methods mentioned to remove OneDrive, you may see the OneDrive folder still showing after uninstalling; continue reading to learn how to delete them.

Also Read:How to stop OneDrive from deleting files automatically on Windows 11

How to Remove All Traces of OneDrive From Windows 11 or 10

Step 1: Press theWindows key, typeCommand Prompt, and clickRun as administrator.

Step 2: Type the below command and hitEnter.

That’s it. All the temporary and residual OneDrive files will be removed from your Windows machine. If you have any queries, check out the FAQ section below.

FAQs on Uninstalling OneDrive Completely From Windows

Yes, you can reinstall OneDrive after uninstalling it. Visit the official OneDrive website, download the latest version, and install it on your computer.

Uninstalling OneDrive does not directly affect other Microsoft Office apps. However, if you use OneDrive for saving and syncing Office files, it may impact your ability to access them across devices.

Uninstalling OneDrive does not disable Windows sync settings. Windows sync settings are separate and control the synchronization of various settings across Windows devices.

Now that you know how to completely uninstall OneDrive from Windows, you can quickly and effectively remove OneDrive, allowing for a more tailored approach to file storage and management on your Windows device.

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Last updated on 31 August, 2024

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