Learn how to uninstall and remove OneDrive from Windows with our step-by-step guide. Say goodbye to storage limitations and privacy concerns today.
How to Uninstall OneDrive from Windows 10

If you’re looking to uninstall OneDrive from your Windows 10 device, you’ve come to the right place. In this section, we’ll guide you through the steps to remove OneDrive from your computer.
Step-by-step guide on how to uninstall OneDrive from Windows 10
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Click on the “Start” menu and type “Control Panel” in the search bar. Select “Control Panel” from the options that appear.
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Once you are in the Control Panel, select “Programs” and then “Programs and Features.”
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In the list of installed programs, locate “Microsoft OneDrive” and right-click on it.
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Select “Uninstall” from the drop-down menu.
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Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Alternative ways to remove OneDrive if the traditional method doesn’t work
If you find that the traditional method of uninstalling OneDrive isn’t working, there are a few alternative methods that you can try.
One option is to use the Command Prompt. Here’s how:
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Click on the “Start” menu and type “Command Prompt” in the search bar. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
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In the Command Prompt window, type the following command: %SystemRoot%System32OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall.
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Press “Enter” to execute the command.
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Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Another option is to use the Registry Editor. Here’s how:
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Click on the “Start” menu and type “Registry Editor” in the search bar. Select “Registry Editor” from the options that appear.
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In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following location: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftOneDrive.
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Right-click on the “OneDrive” folder and select “Delete.”
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Confirm that you want to delete the folder by clicking “Yes.”
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully uninstall OneDrive from your Windows 10 device.
Reasons to Uninstall OneDrive

As much as OneDrive is a convenient feature for many Windows users, there are several reasons why one may want to uninstall it.
Privacy concerns and data collection
OneDrive collects data from your device to improve your experience, which some users may find invasive. This information includes files, photos, and even emails, which can make some users uncomfortable. Additionally, OneDrive’s terms of service state that they have the right to access your data to improve their services. This can be a significant concern for people who value their privacy.
Storage limitations and alternatives
OneDrive comes with limited storage space, and if you need more, you will have to pay for it. This can be frustrating for users who want to store their files and documents in the cloud without extra costs. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to OneDrive that offer more storage space, such as Google Drive and Dropbo
OneDrive compatibility issues with other software or hardware
OneDrive may not be compatible with specific software or hardware, which can cause problems for users. For example, if you use a different cloud storage service, OneDrive may interfere with it, making it challenging to manage your files. Furthermore, if you use an older version of Windows, OneDrive may not work correctly, causing errors and crashes.
By understanding these reasons to uninstall OneDrive, you can make an informed decision on whether or not to keep it on your Windows device.
How to Disable OneDrive on Windows 10
Difference between Uninstalling and Disabling OneDrive
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide on how to disable OneDrive on Windows 10, let’s first clarify the difference between uninstalling and disabling OneDrive. Uninstalling OneDrive completely removes the application and all its files from your device. Disabling OneDrive, on the other hand, only stops the application from running and syncing data, but the files and application still exist on your device.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Disable OneDrive on Windows 10
Disabling OneDrive is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the “Windows” key on your keyboard and search for “Group Policy Editor”.
- Click on “Edit group policy” from the search results to open the Group Policy Editor.
- In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “OneDrive”.
- Double-click on “Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage” to open the policy settings.
- Select the “Enabled” option and click “Apply” to save your changes.
- Restart your device to ensure the changes take effect.
And that’s it! OneDrive is now disabled on your Windows 10 device. If you ever want to enable it again, simply repeat the steps above and select the “Not Configured” option in step 5.
Disabling OneDrive can be a useful option for those who prefer to use alternative cloud storage solutions or who simply don’t want to use OneDrive. It’s important to note, however, that disabling OneDrive may affect the functionality of other Microsoft applications that rely on it.
How to Reinstall OneDrive on Windows 10
Step-by-Step Guide to Reinstalling OneDrive on Windows 10
If you’ve previously uninstalled OneDrive, you might want to reinstall it later. To do so, follow these simple steps:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog bo2. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter.
- Navigate to “Local Computer Policy” > “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “OneDrive”.
- Double-click “Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage”.
- Select “Disabled” and click “OK”.
- Press the Windows key + S on your keyboard to open the search bar.
- Type “OneDrive” and select the OneDrive app from the search results.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Reasons Why Someone May Want to Reinstall OneDrive
While there are many reasons why someone might uninstall OneDrive, there are also reasons why someone might want to reinstall it. For example:
- They may have initially uninstalled OneDrive due to privacy concerns but have since found a way to mitigate those concerns.
- They may have encountered compatibility issues with other software or hardware that have since been resolved.
- They may simply miss the convenience of cloud storage and syncing files across devices.
Whatever your reason for reinstalling OneDrive, following the above steps will have you back up and running in no time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, OneDrive is a useful cloud storage solution that comes pre-installed on Windows 10 devices. However, there are various reasons why someone may want to uninstall or remove OneDrive from their device. Privacy concerns, storage limitations, and compatibility issues with other software or hardware are a few examples.
If you decide to uninstall OneDrive from your device, there are several methods available. You can choose to disable OneDrive, which will prevent it from running but preserve it on your device for future use. Alternatively, you can follow a step-by-step guide to uninstall OneDrive entirely from your device.
Remember that OneDrive is only one of many cloud storage solutions available, and there are alternatives that may better suit your needs. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to keep OneDrive on your device.
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