cloud service

Question

how do i stop cloud service from taking my data. I don't need it nor did I agree to the cloud taking my info

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John!

When you say cloud service, are you referring to OneDrive, or something else in Windows?

Windows itself does not automatically take personal files unless a cloud feature like OneDrive backup or sync is turned on. If OneDrive is signed in, it may sync files from folders like Desktop, Documents, or Pictures.

A few questions that will help narrow this down:

1. Do you see a OneDrive cloud icon near the clock on the taskbar?
2. Are your files showing a cloud symbol in File Explorer?
3. Did you sign in to Windows using a Microsoft account?

---

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

To stop Microsoft cloud services from collecting or storing data, disable syncing/backup features and unlink or stop using the cloud services tied to the Microsoft account.

For OneDrive (files, documents, and some app autosave):

1. Turn off automatic backup/sync of files and photos:
   • On Windows: go to OneDrive Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup and turn off the folders you don’t want backed up.
   • On Mac: go to OneDrive Preferences > Backup > Manage backup and turn off backup.
   • On mobile: open OneDrive, go to Settings > Camera upload and turn it off.
2. Stop syncing or unlink OneDrive from the device so it no longer sends files to the cloud:
   • Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar/menubar, select the gear icon > Settings/Preferences.
   • Go to the Account tab and select Unlink this PC. This stops the device from syncing with OneDrive.
3. If OneDrive is not needed at all on Windows 10/11, uninstall it:
   • Open Settings > list of installed apps.
   • Find Microsoft OneDrive and select Uninstall.
   • Files already in OneDrive remain in the cloud, but the device stops sending new data. Files can still be managed via OneDrive.com.

To manage what is already stored in OneDrive:

• Open the OneDrive folder or OneDrive on the web and delete or move out any files that should not be in the cloud.
• If many files were deleted by mistake, they can be restored from the OneDrive Recycle bin.

For apps that use cloud data or suggestions (examples from context):

• Outlook suggested replies: turn off suggested replies in each Outlook client under Settings (for example, in Outlook for Windows: File > Options > Mail > clear Show suggested replies).
• Teams suggested replies: in Teams, go to Settings and more > Settings > General and clear Show suggested replies in chat.

For Microsoft Edge sync data in Microsoft’s cloud:

1. In Edge, go to Settings > Profiles > Sync and toggle off sync for the data types that should not be stored in the cloud.
2. To remove existing synced data from Microsoft’s cloud, in Settings > Profiles > Sync > Re-sync data to this device, choose Still having sync problems? Try another option and select Reset sync. Keep the browser open until the reset completes.

For mobile apps that collect usage data (example: Dynamics 365 mobile app):

• Sign out of the app, then sign back in using the web address option.
• In the Usage data collection dialog, clear Help improve Dynamics 365 by sharing usage data.

For Microsoft SwiftKey (keyboard data and cloud backup):

• If signed in with a SwiftKey Account and cloud backup/sync is enabled, open SwiftKey > Account > Data settings and use Remove my remote data.
• To stop future learning to the cloud, log out of the SwiftKey Account from Account.

If a Microsoft 365 or other subscription that relies on cloud services is not needed, cancel the subscription so the service is no longer used or renewed.

---

References:

• Your Microsoft account, your data, your choices
• How to cancel or stop sync in OneDrive
• Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive
• Reset Microsoft Edge data in the cloud
• How to opt out of data collection on Dynamics 365 mobile app
• Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard: Privacy Questions and your Data