One Drive Deletion

Question

Can anyone please explain to me how I can completely deactivate the free version of One Drive? I do not wish to use its storage capabilities at all, as automatically back everything up to a 5TB external drive. Thanks in adance.

Answer 1

Yes. If you do not want to use OneDrive at all, first stop its folder backup, then unlink and uninstall it.

Click the OneDrive cloud icon > Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup, then stop backing up Desktop, Documents and Pictures if they are enabled. Microsoft guide:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/onedrive/back-up-your-folders-with-onedrive

Then go to OneDrive Settings > Account > Unlink this PC.

Finally, open Windows 11 Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft OneDrive > Uninstall. Microsoft guide:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/onedrive/turn-off-disable-or-uninstall-onedrive

Before uninstalling, make sure any files you want to keep are already stored locally or on your external drive.

Answer 2

To completely stop using OneDrive storage on Windows 11:

1. Turn off OneDrive syncing and unlink the PC.
   • Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
   • Select the OneDrive Help and Settings icon, then Settings.
   • Go to the Account tab.
   • Select Unlink this PC, then Unlink account.
2. If OneDrive is currently backing up known folders, turn that off before moving files around.
   • In OneDrive settings, go to Sync and Backup and turn off folder backup if it is enabled.
   • This helps prevent files from continuing to sync while changes are being made.
3. Uninstall OneDrive from Windows 11.
   • Select Start, type Programs, and open Add or remove programs.
   • Under Apps & features, find Microsoft OneDrive and select Uninstall.
4. If local OneDrive files remain on the PC, remove the OneDrive folder.
   • Open File Explorer.
   • Right-click the OneDrive folder and select Delete.
5. If the goal is to remove cloud-stored files too, delete them from OneDrive on the web after unlinking the PC.
   • Sign in to onedrive.com and open My Files.
   • Select the top checkbox to select files.
   • Clear any shared folders and Personal Vault from the selection.
   • Select Delete.
   • Open the OneDrive Recycle bin and select Empty Recycle bin.

Important:

• Unlinking or uninstalling OneDrive does not delete files from OneDrive online by itself.
• Deleting files online and emptying the OneDrive recycle bin is permanent and files cannot be recovered.
• If the intention is only to stop using OneDrive because everything is already backed up to an external drive, unlinking and uninstalling OneDrive is sufficient. Cloud deletion is only needed if the online files should also be removed.

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References:

• Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive
• Permanently delete your entire OneDrive
• How to cancel or stop sync in OneDrive