Deactivate OneDrive on Windows
On Windows, OneDrive is integrated into the operating system, and it may start automatically when you log in. If you want to turn it off, here are the steps to follow:
1. Click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray (the notification area on the bottom right corner of the screen). If you don’t see it, click the up arrow to reveal hidden icons.
2. Click on the gear icon to open the OneDrive settings menu.
3. Click on the Account tab and then click on Unlink this PC.
4. You will see a prompt that warns you about the consequences of unlinking your PC. If you’re sure you want to proceed, click on Unlink account.
5. After a few moments, OneDrive will be deactivated, and you can it from your device if you wish. To delete the OneDrive folder and all its contents, go to File Explorer, navigate to the OneDrive folder, right-click on it, and select Delete.
Deactivate OneDrive on Mac
On Mac, OneDrive is also integrated into the operating system, but it may be less intrusive and less visible than on Windows. Here’s how to deactivate it:
1. Click on the OneDrive icon in the menu bar (the top right corner of the screen). If you don’t see it, click on the Spotlight magnifying glass, type “OneDrive,” and click on the app icon.
2. Click on the three dots (…) and then click on Preferences.
3. Click on the Account tab and then click on Unlink this Mac.
4. You will see a prompt that warns you about the consequences of unlinking your Mac. If you’re sure you want to proceed, click on Unlink account.
5. After a few moments, OneDrive will be deactivated, and you can remove it from your device if you wish. To delete the OneDrive folder and all its contents, go to Finder, navigate to the OneDrive folder, right-click on it, and select Move to Trash.
Deactivate OneDrive on Mobile
On mobile devices, OneDrive is available as a standalone app for Android and iOS. Here’s how to deactivate it:
On Android:
1. Open the OneDrive app on your Android device.
2. Tap on the three lines (the hamburger menu) and then tap on Settings.
3. Tap on Account and then tap on Unlink this account.
4. You will see a prompt that warns you about the consequences of unlinking your account. If you’re sure you want to proceed, tap on Unlink account.
5. After a few moments, OneDrive will be deactivated, and you can uninstall the app if you wish.
On iOS:
1. Open the OneDrive app on your iOS device.
2. Tap on the Me tab (the person icon) and then tap on Settings.
3. Tap on Account and then tap on Unlink this account.
4. You will see a prompt that warns you about the consequences of unlinking your account. If you’re sure you want to proceed, tap on Unlink account.
5. After a few moments, OneDrive will be deactivated, and you can delete the app if you wish.
In conclusion, deactivating OneDrive is a simple process that can be done on different devices and platforms. However, it’s important to consider the implications of doing so, as you may lose access to your files, your synchronization settings, or your collaboration options. If you’re not sure whether deactivating OneDrive is the right choice for you, consult Microsoft’s documentation, or seek advice from a qualified professional.