How to Uninstall OneDrive on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 28, 2025

Summary: Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft OneDrive comes pre-installed on Windows 11, syncing files automatically to the cloud.

  • Some users prefer to remove it due to storage limits, duplication issues, or using another cloud service.

  • You can uninstall OneDrive via Settings, Command Prompt, or PowerShell.

  • Alternatively, you can simply disable or unlink OneDrive without fully uninstalling it.

  • This guide walks you through step-by-step methods to remove OneDrive from your Windows 11 PC.

OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage solution, integrated tightly into Windows 11. By default, it automatically backs up your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. While convenient, not everyone wants or needs OneDrive.

Maybe you prefer Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud. Or perhaps you simply want to free up system resources and avoid unwanted background syncing. In that case, you might be wondering: How do I uninstall OneDrive on Windows 11?

Don’t worry — this step-by-step guide covers all the ways to uninstall or disable OneDrive so you can take full control of your PC.

Why Uninstall OneDrive on Windows 11?

Here are some common reasons users remove OneDrive:

  • Avoid unnecessary syncing – Prevent duplicate files on local storage and cloud.

  • Free up system resources – Stop background processes that slow down your PC.

  • Use another cloud provider – Prefer Google Drive, Dropbox, or external backup solutions.

  • Save bandwidth – Stop OneDrive from uploading/downloading files automatically.

  • Privacy concerns – Keep files stored locally instead of Microsoft’s servers.

Think of it like decluttering your home — if you don’t use a service, why keep it running?

Method 1: Uninstall OneDrive via Windows Settings

The easiest way is to use Windows 11’s built-in Settings app.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Apps → Installed apps.

  3. In the search box, type OneDrive.

  4. Click the three-dot menu next to Microsoft OneDrive.

  5. Select Uninstall → confirm when prompted.

✅ Done! OneDrive is now removed from your system.

Method 2: Uninstall OneDrive via Control Panel

If you prefer the traditional method, use Control Panel.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type control, and hit Enter.

  2. Go to Programs → Programs and Features.

  3. Find Microsoft OneDrive in the list.

  4. Right-click → Uninstall.

This method works the same as Settings but is useful for users who are more familiar with older versions of Windows.

Method 3: Uninstall OneDrive Using Command Prompt

For power users, Command Prompt offers a direct way.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click → select Run as administrator.

  2. Enter the command:

    • For 64-bit Windows:

      %SystemRoot%\System32\OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall

    • For 32-bit Windows:

      %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall

  3. Press Enter.

OneDrive will uninstall silently without prompts.

Method 4: Uninstall OneDrive Using PowerShell

PowerShell is another powerful tool for removing OneDrive.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + X → choose Windows Terminal (Admin).

  2. Type the command:

    winget uninstall Microsoft.OneDrive

  3. Press Enter and wait for the process to finish.

This uses Windows Package Manager (winget) to uninstall OneDrive.

Method 5: Disable OneDrive Without Uninstalling

Maybe you don’t want to uninstall OneDrive completely but just stop it from running.

Option A: Stop OneDrive from Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Go to the Startup apps tab.

  3. Find Microsoft OneDrive → click Disable.

Option B: Unlink Your OneDrive Account

  1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar.

  2. Select Settings.

  3. Go to the Accounts tab.

  4. Click Unlink this PC.

This disconnects your account but keeps OneDrive installed in case you need it later.

Method 6: Remove OneDrive Leftovers

Even after uninstalling, OneDrive folders may remain.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Navigate to:

    • C:\Users\YourUsername\OneDrive

    • C:\OneDriveTemp

  3. Delete leftover folders.

✅ Now your PC is completely free of OneDrive files.

Comparison of Methods

Method Difficulty Removes Completely Best For
Settings App Easy Yes Beginners
Control Panel Easy Yes Traditional users
Command Prompt Medium Yes Power users
PowerShell (winget) Medium Yes Advanced users
Disable/Unlink Easy No Users who may want to re-enable later

Extra Tips After Uninstalling OneDrive

  • Use File History or Windows Backup for local backups.

  • If you need cloud storage, try Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud.

  • Regularly check Task Manager to ensure OneDrive isn’t running after removal.

Conclusion

Uninstalling OneDrive on Windows 11 is straightforward once you know the right steps. Whether you choose Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, or PowerShell, you can remove it completely in just a few minutes.

And if you’re not ready to uninstall it fully, simply disabling or unlinking OneDrive works as a less permanent option.

So now you have the choice: keep OneDrive, disable it, or uninstall it — based on how you want to manage your files.

FAQs About Uninstalling OneDrive on Windows 11

1. Is it safe to uninstall OneDrive on Windows 11?
Yes. It won’t affect Windows itself, but your files will no longer sync to the cloud.

2. Will uninstalling OneDrive delete my files?
No. Your local files stay on your PC, and your cloud files remain in your OneDrive account online.

3. Can I reinstall OneDrive after uninstalling?
Yes. You can download it anytime from Microsoft’s website or the Microsoft Store.

4. How do I stop OneDrive without uninstalling it?
Disable it from startup or unlink your account via OneDrive settings.

5. Why does OneDrive keep coming back after uninstalling?
Some major Windows updates reinstall OneDrive automatically. You may need to uninstall it again.

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