Want to get rid of Microsoft’s cloud storage? Here’s how; How to Remove OneDrive From Windows 10 Computers
One of Microsoft’s many strengths is the integration between services like Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, its cloud storage service. For folks who would rather use other storage methods like Google Drive or their local hard drive, you can save a few GB of space and some CPU power on your Windows 10 PC by turning OneDrive off.
If you go through with either of the following procedures, Microsoft 365 users will lose the ability to sync files between computers on the same account. For example, you’ll be unable to save a shopping list Word document on a computer, then check updates to the file on your phone. Additionally, Microsoft 365 defaults to saving its files in cloud storage on OneDrive, so anything saved there will only be accessible by signing in to OneDrive.com.
How to Disable OneDrive on Windows 10
Turning OneDrive off is a fairly easy process, you just have to disconnect your Microsoft account from the service, which will disable OneDrive in Windows 10 and save your PC from constant updates and data syncing from the cloud to your local hard drive or SSD.
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Select the OneDrive icon in your taskbar, then select more.
- Select Settings.
- Select the Account tab.
- Select Unlink this PC under your account name.
- Select Unlink account.
That’s it! Your Microsoft account will be unlinked from your PC. Any files synced to your OneDrive folder locally will still be there.
How to Uninstall OneDrive on Windows 10
After unlinking your account, you might want to remove OneDrive entirely, thereby saving you from seeing the occasional notification stating you need to update the OneDrive app to continue using it.
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Go to the Add/Remove Programs system setting. An easy way to get there is to select the Start button, then type programs in the search field.
- Type one in the Apps & Features search box.
- Select the Microsoft OneDrive icon.
- Select the Uninstall button.
- Confirm you want to uninstall Onedrive on the next screen, and the program will be removed from your PC.
Occasionally, uninstalling OneDrive will fail and return you to the Apps and Features list. Simply restart your PC, and you should be able to repeat the above steps to remove OneDrive from your Windows 10 PC.
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