Windows 10 - How To Disable OneDrive and Remove it From File Explorer on Windows 10

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through the process of disabling OneDrive and removing it from File Explorer on Windows 10. This is relevant for users who prefer not to use OneDrive for cloud storage or simply want to declutter their File Explorer. The steps apply to various Windows 10 devices, including desktops, laptops, and tablets.

Step 1: Unlink OneDrive Account

1. Right-click on the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray (near the clock).
2. Select “Settings” from the context menu.
3. In the OneDrive settings window, navigate to the “Account” tab.
4. Click on the “Unlink this PC” button.
5. Confirm your choice when prompted.

Tip: Unlinking your account will stop syncing files between your PC and OneDrive but won’t delete any local files.

Step 2: Disable OneDrive from Startup

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Navigate to the “Startup” tab.
3. Find “Microsoft OneDrive” in the list.
4. Right-click on it and select “Disable”.

Common Pitfall: Ensure you are in the Startup tab and not the Processes tab; otherwise, you won't find the option to disable it.

Step 3: Remove OneDrive from File Explorer

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
   • Note: This feature is not available in Windows 10 Home edition.
3. Navigate to the following path:
   • Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive
4. Double-click on “Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage”.
5. Select “Enabled” and click “OK”.

Tip: If you don’t have Group Policy Editor, you can also use the Registry Editor.

Step 4: Use the Registry Editor (If Necessary)

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
3. Right-click on the Windows folder, select “New”, then “Key”, and name it “OneDrive”.
4. With the OneDrive key selected, right-click in the right pane, select “New”, then “DWORD (32-bit) Value”.
5. Name it “DisableFileSyncNGSC” and set its value to 1.

Warning: Be cautious when modifying the registry as incorrect changes can affect your system.

Step 5: Uninstall OneDrive

1. Open the Start menu and go to “Settings”.
2. Select “Apps”.
3. Click on “Apps & features”.
4. Locate “Microsoft OneDrive” in the list and click on it.
5. Click the “Uninstall” button and confirm.

Conclusion

You have successfully disabled OneDrive and removed it from File Explorer on your Windows 10 device. By following these steps, you can streamline your file management experience. If you need cloud storage alternatives, consider exploring other services that suit your needs better.