How to Remove Google Drive from Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

Summary — Key Takeaways

Google Drive for Desktop (previously Backup and Sync/Drive File Stream) can be uninstalled like any other app in Windows 11.
Before uninstalling, you should sign out of your account and confirm whether you want to keep locally synced files.
You can remove it via Settings → Apps, Control Panel, or using third-party uninstallers if normal removal fails.
Optional: Clear cache and leftover folders to completely erase Google Drive traces.
This guide walks you through step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and FAQs to make the process smooth.

Google Drive is one of the most popular cloud storage platforms, but sometimes you may want to remove it from your Windows 11 PC. Maybe you switched to OneDrive or Dropbox, or perhaps you simply don’t need it running in the background anymore.

Whatever the reason, removing Google Drive is straightforward — but there are a few things to consider first, especially if you’ve synced files to your computer.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to remove Google Drive from Windows 11 safely and completely, including tips to clean up leftover files.

Why Remove Google Drive from Windows 11?

Here are common reasons why users uninstall Google Drive:

Switching services → Using OneDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud instead.
Performance issues → Google Drive running in the background and consuming resources.
Storage concerns → Too many duplicate files on local storage.
Privacy/security → Not wanting files synced to the cloud.
Troubleshooting → Reinstalling Google Drive to fix syncing errors.

What Happens When You Remove Google Drive?

When you uninstall Google Drive for Desktop:

The app is removed from your PC.
Cloud files remain safe in your Google Drive account online (drive.google.com).
Local synced files can stay on your PC if you choose.
Syncing stops immediately.

👉 So don’t worry — uninstalling does not delete your files from Google Drive cloud.

Step 1 — Sign Out of Google Drive (Optional but Recommended)

Before uninstalling, sign out to avoid sync interruptions.

Click the Google Drive icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of taskbar).
Select the Settings (⚙️ gear) icon → Preferences.
Go to the Google Account section.
Click Disconnect account.

Step 2 — Remove Google Drive via Windows Settings

This is the easiest method for most users.

Press Win + I to open Settings.
Go to Apps → Installed apps.
Scroll down and find Google Drive.
Click the three-dot (…) menu → Uninstall.
Confirm and follow on-screen prompts.

Step 3 — Remove Google Drive via Control Panel

If Settings doesn’t work, try the classic Control Panel.

Press Win + R, type:

appwiz.cpl
and hit Enter.
This opens Programs and Features.
Locate Google Drive in the list.
Right-click it → Uninstall.
Follow the wizard to complete removal.

Step 4 — Delete Leftover Google Drive Files and Folders

Even after uninstalling, some cache files may remain.

Check these locations:

User AppData folder

C:\Users\<YourUserName>\AppData\Local\Google\DriveFS C:\Users\<YourUserName>\AppData\Roaming\Google
Program Files

C:\Program Files\Google\Drive

Steps:

Open File Explorer (Win + E).
Navigate to the above paths.
Delete any remaining Google Drive folders.

⚠️ Caution: Only delete Google Drive folders, not unrelated Google Chrome or other app folders.

Step 5 — Remove Google Drive from Startup

To stop Google Drive from launching automatically:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Go to the Startup apps tab.
Locate Google Drive → Right-click → Disable.

Alternative Method — Use a Third-Party Uninstaller

If you still see Google Drive traces, try tools like:

Revo Uninstaller
IObit Uninstaller
Geek Uninstaller

These apps scan for leftover registry entries and hidden files.

Troubleshooting — When Google Drive Won’t Uninstall

Problem	Solution
“App is still running” error	Exit Google Drive from system tray before uninstalling.
Uninstall button greyed out	Try Control Panel method or Safe Mode uninstall.
Leftover sync folders	Manually delete from File Explorer.
Google Drive keeps reinstalling	Disable startup entries and background services.

Reinstalling Google Drive (If Needed)

Sometimes, users remove Google Drive to fix issues, then reinstall it.

Go to Google Drive download page.
Download Drive for Desktop.
Install and sign in again.

Conclusion

Removing Google Drive from Windows 11 is simple:

Uninstall via Settings or Control Panel.
Delete leftover files for a clean uninstall.
Disable startup entries to prevent it from reappearing.

Remember, uninstalling doesn’t delete your cloud files — they remain safe in your Google account. If you ever need it again, reinstalling is just a few clicks away.

FAQs About Removing Google Drive from Windows 11

1. Will uninstalling Google Drive delete my cloud files?
No. Your files remain in Google Drive online. Only the sync app is removed from your PC.

2. How do I stop Google Drive from starting automatically?
Disable it in Task Manager → Startup tab.

3. Can I remove only the local Google Drive folder but keep the app?
Yes, you can unlink your account in Google Drive settings, which removes local sync but keeps the app installed.

4. I can’t find Google Drive in my apps list. What should I do?
Try Control Panel → Programs and Features. If still missing, check for leftover folders manually.

5. Is it safe to delete the AppData DriveFS folder?
Yes, if you’ve already uninstalled Google Drive. This only removes cached data, not cloud files.