How to Completely Uninstall OneDrive from Windows 11
Feeling fed up with OneDrive taking up storage or interfering with your sync? Totally understandable. Whether you want to free up some space or just stop that persistent background process, removing OneDrive from Windows 11 isn’t as tricky as it seems. A few simple steps, and your PC can breathe a little easier once again.
Let’s Walk Through the Process
This isn’t complicated, but it involves two main steps: disconnecting your account to stop it from syncing files, then uninstalling the application itself. It’s a smart way to keep your files safe while tidying up your system. Here’s a quick rundown:
First, Unlink Your OneDrive Account
Begin by finding the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray (near the clock). Right-click it and select Settings. If the icon’s playing hide-and-seek, just open the Start Menu, search for OneDrive, and choose it from there. Head to the Account tab, then click on Unlink this PC. It’s an important step — it stops the app from syncing anything and keeps your files safe. You definitely don’t want to risk overwriting anything during the uninstall process.
Next, Access the Settings Menu
Press Windows key + I to open Settings quickly. From there, go to System and then Apps & features. Managing your installed apps is straightforward, so you won’t get lost in menus.
Locate the OneDrive App
Within the Apps section, scroll through the list or type OneDrive into the search bar at the top to find it faster. It should appear promptly.
Uninstall OneDrive
Click on Microsoft OneDrive, then select Uninstall. Confirm any prompts, and voilà — the app will be removed. It will delete its files and stop taking up space on your system. Who wouldn’t want that? Just a heads-up: on some setups, you might need to try a couple of times before it works — Windows quirks, you know.
And for those feeling a bit more tech-savvy, you can also remove OneDrive using a command line. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and run:
# To uninstall via PowerShell:
“C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\Setup.exe” /uninstall
# Or, using DISM to remove a provisioned app:
DISM /Online /Remove-ProvisionedAppxPackage /PackageName:Microsoft.OneDrive_17.3.4403.1025_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe
If it’s still lingering after that, old folders might still be hanging around. Clean them up with:
# Remove OneDrive leftovers:
rmdir "%UserProfile%\OneDrive" /Q /S
rmdir "%LocalAppData%\Microsoft\OneDrive" /Q /S
Extra Tips for a Smoother Experience
- Make sure to back up any important files before you start — you never know what might be left behind.
- If you don’t want to uninstall completely but just prevent OneDrive from starting automatically, disable it from startup in Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) under the Startup tab, or in Settings > Apps > Startup.
- Don’t worry about your files — uninstalling OneDrive only removes local access. Your files are still safe and stored in your OneDrive cloud account.
- If you change your mind later, setting it up again is a walk in the park — just get it from the Microsoft Store or download it directly from the official OneDrive page.
- Checking for Windows updates beforehand can save you some hassle and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing OneDrive
Is it safe to uninstall OneDrive?
Absolutely. Removing it won’t affect your files stored in the cloud. They remain securely online — just no longer synced or tied to your local device.
Will deleting OneDrive remove my files?
Nope. Your cloud files stay untouched and safe. You can always access them through a web browser or reinstall the app if needed.
Can I install OneDrive again later?
Definitely. Downloading and setting it up again is straightforward — get it from the Microsoft Store or head to the OneDrive download page.
How do I stop OneDrive from syncing without uninstalling it?
Just unlink your account from the system tray or disable it from starting automatically via Task Manager or Settings. You can also set it to manual sync if you prefer to select which files to keep local.
Do I need an internet connection to uninstall OneDrive?
Nope, all these steps are local — no internet required.
Quick Recap
- Unlink your OneDrive account (see above).
- Open Settings (Windows + I) and navigate to Apps & features.
- Find Microsoft OneDrive or search for it.
- Click Uninstall and confirm.
Removing OneDrive from Windows 11 can help tidy things up, especially if you’re not using it much. Following these steps ensures your data stays safe in the cloud while giving your system a boost in speed and simplicity. And remember, your files are still stored online securely — if you decide to use OneDrive again, it’s quick to get back. Taking control of your PC’s setup helps keep things running smoothly and distraction-free. That’s the way it should be.