6 Ways to Remove OneDrive From File Explorer (Turn Off, Disable or Uninstall)

Tired of seeing OneDrive cluttering up your File Explorer? While Microsoft’s cloud storage service can be useful, not everyone needs or wants it integrated into their Windows experience. Therefore, if you’re looking to streamline your File Explorer and remove OneDrive from file explorer, you’ve come to the right place.  

To begin with, here is a quick step guide to remove OneDrive from file explorer:  

• Find the OneDrive icon, look for the little cloud icon in your taskbar.

• Right-click the Cloud icon.

• Click on “Settings.”

• Navigate to the settings menu, locate the “Account” tab, and select “Unlink this PC” to proceed.

• Go back to File Explorer. Right-click on the “OneDrive” folder and select “Properties.

• In the Properties window, check the box next to “Hidden” under the “Attributes” section. Click “OK.”

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to remove OneDrive or OneDrive shortcut from your File Explorer, giving you a cleaner, more personalized browsing experience.

For more methods and detailed instructions on removing OneDrive from File Explorer, continue reading this blog.

How to remove OneDrive from File Explorer ?

OneDrive is a convenient cloud storage space solution, but not everyone wants it integrated into their File Explorer. Consequently, if you find the OneDrive folder unnecessary or intrusive, you might be wondering how to remove it.

To address this issue, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clean up your File Explorer by removing OneDrive.

Hide OneDrive (For Occasional Users)

This method keeps OneDrive installed but hides it from view, helping you remove OneDrive from File Explorer. Specifically, this is ideal if you might use OneDrive in the future but don’t need it right now.

• Find the OneDrive Icon: Firstly, look for the little cloud icon in your taskbar, usually in the bottom right corner of your screen.

• Right-Click the Cloud Icon: A small menu will appear.

• Settings: Next, click on “Settings.”

• Unlink This PC: Then, in the settings menu, locate the “Account” tab and click on “Unlink this PC.” This stops OneDrive from syncing your files.

• Hide OneDrive: After that, go back to File Explorer. Right-click on the “OneDrive” folder and select “Properties.”

• Hidden Folder: Finally, in the Properties window, find the “Attributes” section and check the box next to “Hidden.” Click “OK.”

Using Group Policy Editor (for Windows Pro and Enterprise editions)  

For users with Windows Pro or Enterprise editions, the Group Policy Editor offers a powerful way to manage system settings. Therefore, if you want to remove OneDrive from File Explorer, utilizing this tool can be an effective solution.

Here are the steps to use group policy editor:

• First, press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.

• Next, type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.

• Then, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive.

• After that, double-click on “Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage”.

• Subsequently, select “Enabled” and click “Apply”, then “OK”.

• Finally, restart your computer for changes to take effect.

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Using Registry Editor (for all Windows editions)  

The Registry Editor, a versatile tool available in all Windows editions, allows you to customize various system settings, including crucial registry entries.

Consequently, if you’re looking to remove OneDrive from File Explorer, editing the registry can help achieve this. Follow these steps to make the necessary changes.

• To begin, press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.

• Next, type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

• Then, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive

• If the OneDrive key doesn’t exist, right-click on the Windows key, select New > Key, and name it OneDrive.

• After that, right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

• Subsequently, name the new value “DisableFileSyncNGSC”.

• Next, double-click the new value and set its data to 1.

• Finally, close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Unlink OneDrive  

Unlinking OneDrive is a straightforward method to stop syncing your files without uninstalling the application. Here’s how you can easily unlink OneDrive from your PC.

• First, click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.

• Then, click on “Help & Settings” > “Settings”.

• Next, go to the “Account” tab.

• After that, click “Unlink this PC” and confirm.

• As a result, OneDrive will disappear from File Explorer.

Uninstall OneDrive from Window Settings

If you prefer a clean removal of OneDrive from your system, uninstalling it via Windows Settings is a simple solution. Therefore, follow these steps to completely uninstall OneDrive from your PC.

• To start, press Windows Key + I to open Settings.

• Next, go to Apps > Apps & features.

• Then, find Microsoft OneDrive in the list.

• After that, click on it and select “Uninstall”.

• Finally, follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.

Uninstall OneDrive using Command Prompt

For advanced users, uninstalling OneDrive using Command Prompt offers a quick and efficient method. Consequently, here’s how to remove OneDrive from your file explorer and system via Command Prompt.

• First, press Windows Key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.

• Next, type the following command and press Enter: taskkill /f /im OneDrive.exe

• Then, enter this command to uninstall OneDrive: %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall

• Finally, restart your computer.

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How to remove OneDrive folder from File Explorer without deleting ?

There are three ways to remove the OneDrive folder from File Explorer without deleting your files:

Use Selective Sync

This method lets you choose which OneDrive folders are stored locally on your device.

• Firstly, open the OneDrive app by right-clicking the cloud icon in the system tray (bottom right corner) and select “Settings”.

• Next, go to “Account” and click “Choose folders”.

• Finally, uncheck the folders you want to remove from your computer and click “OK”.

Unlink OneDrive Account

This method completely removes OneDrive from File Explorer, but keeps your files online.

• To begin, click on the Start button and search for “OneDrive” (look for a folder with a blue cloud icon).

• Then, run OneDrive and click on the cloud icon in the system tray (bottom right, next to the clock).

• After that, go to the Settings tab, select the Account section, and click Unlink this PC.

• Lastly, restart your computer and check if the folder is gone from File Explorer.

Important: Ensure all cloud files are synced and available locally, including those set for auto file backup, before proceeding.

Modify Registry (Advanced)

• First, press Windows key + R to open the Run command.

• Next, type regedit and click OK to open the Registry Editor.

• Then, navigate to: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}.

• After that, double-click the System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree DWORD on the right side.

• Subsequently, change the value from 1 to 0.

• Finally, close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

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What should you do if OneDrive still shows in File Explorer after uninstalling it ?

Even after uninstalling OneDrive, you might see its folder lingering in File Explorer. This happens because uninstalling doesn’t remove references or folder locations. Therefore, here are the steps to do this:

Check Default Save Locations

Firstly, it’s important to note that uninstalling OneDrive doesn’t reset your default save locations. To fix this:

• Begin by right-clicking on folders that might have been saving to OneDrive (like Desktop, Documents) and select “Properties”.

• Next, in the “Properties” window, go to the “Location” tab. Then, click “Restore Default” to set the location back to its usual spot on your computer.

Remove OneDrive Registry Key (Advanced Users)

This method involves editing the Windows Registry. However, proceed with caution as making mistakes here can affect your system.

• First, open the Run dialog (press Windows Key + R) and type “regedit”. Click “OK” to open the Registry Editor.

• Then, navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MountPoints2

• After that, look for a key named “{OneDrive folder location}”. Right-click and delete this key.

NOTE: Back up your registry before making any changes using the “Export” function in the Registry Editor.

Manually Delete OneDrive Folder (Optional)

By default, OneDrive creates a folder in your user directory (C:\Users<username>\OneDrive). If it’s empty and you’re sure you don’t need it, you can delete it.

• To do this, right-click the folder and select “Delete”. However, only do this if you’re certain all your files are stored elsewhere.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, removing OneDrive from File Explorer is a straightforward process with multiple options to suit your needs.

Whether you choose to hide it, unlink your account, or completely uninstall OneDrive, you now have the tools to declutter your File Explorer and customize your Windows experience.

However, remember, each method has its benefits and potential drawbacks. Therefore, if you’re unsure about permanently removing OneDrive, consider simply hiding it or using selective sync.

On the other hand, for those seeking a complete removal, the uninstallation methods provide a more thorough solution.

Above all, always back up your important files before making significant changes to your system.

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