OneDrive is a cloud storage service offered by Microsoft, which allows users to store and sync their files across different devices. While it can be a useful tool for many, some users may find that they do not have a need for it or prefer to use alternative storage solutions. If you fall into this category, you may be wondering how to OneDrive from your PC. In this article, we will you through the steps to do just that.
Before proceeding with the removal process, it is important to note that OneDrive is an integral part of the Windows operating system and is deeply integrated into various aspects of the system. Therefore, completely removing it may not be a straightforward task. However, by following the steps outlined below, you can disable and hide OneDrive from your PC.
Step 1: Disable OneDrive Sync
The first step is to disable the OneDrive sync feature. This will OneDrive from automatically syncing your files and folders to the cloud. To do this, right-click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray, usually located in the bottom right corner of the screen. From the context menu, select “Settings.”
In the OneDrive settings window, navigate to the “Files” tab. Under the Files On-Demand section, uncheck the checkbox that says “Save space and download files as you use them.” This will disable the automatic file syncing feature. Click on “OK” to save the changes.
Step 2: Unlink Your Account
The next step is to unlink your Microsoft account from OneDrive. To do this, right-click on the OneDrive icon again and select “Settings.” In the settings window, navigate to the “Account” tab. Click on the “Unlink this PC” button, and then confirm by clicking on “Unlink account.”
Step 3: Hide OneDrive from File Explorer
Now that you have disabled the sync feature and unlinked your account, the next step is to hide OneDrive from File Explorer. This will remove the OneDrive folder from the navigation pane in File Explorer, making it less visible and accessible. Open the “Run” dialog by pressing the Windows key + R on your keyboard, and then type “regedit” and hit Enter.
In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}
Right-click on the {018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6} folder and select “Delete.” Confirm the deletion by clicking on “Yes.”
Step 4: Remove OneDrive Shortcut
The final step is to remove the OneDrive shortcut from the navigation pane in File Explorer. Open the “Run” dialog again, type “shell:sendto” and hit Enter. This will open the SendTo folder in File Explorer. Locate the “OneDrive” shortcut in the folder, right-click on it, and select “Delete.”
That’s it! You have successfully disabled, unlinked, and hidden OneDrive from your PC. While this process removes OneDrive’s most visible components, some background processes may still remain. However, these processes will no longer sync your files or consume system resources.
If you ever change your mind and decide to reinstall or use OneDrive again, you can do so by following the appropriate setup instructions provided by Microsoft.
In conclusion, removing OneDrive from your PC is not a simple one-click process due to its integration with the Windows operating system. However, by following the steps outlined above, you can effectively disable, unlink, and hide OneDrive from your PC, reducing its visibility and prominence on your system.