If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve noticed the OneDrive icon lingering in your File Explorer and thought: "I don’t even use this, how do I get rid of it?".
This guide walks you through all the safe and effective methods to do just that.
How to Remove OneDrive from File Explorer?
Unlinking Your Microsoft Account from OneDrive
This is the least invasive method. It keeps the app installed on your system but stops it from syncing your files or showing cloud updates.
If you're not quite ready to remove OneDrive completely, this is a good first step.
To unlink your account from OneDrive, just click on the little cloud icon in the system tray at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
When the menu pops up, go to Help & Settings (you’ll see it as a gear icon), then click on Settings.
In the new window, switch over to the Account tab. There, you’ll see an option that says Unlink this PC, click it and confirm.
Your files will stay right where they are, but OneDrive will stop syncing from that point on.
Personal tip: This method is perfect if you occasionally want to re-enable OneDrive later without going through a reinstall.
Hiding OneDrive in File Explorer (Without Removing It)
If you just want to hide the OneDrive folder from File Explorer without uninstalling anything, here’s a quick way to do it.
Open up File Explorer, then look over at the left-hand side where the OneDrive folder is listed. Right-click on it and select Properties.
In the window that opens, go to the General tab and check the box that says Hidden. After that, just click Apply, then OK, and the folder will disappear from view.
Uninstalling OneDrive Completely (Windows 10/11 Home)
If you're using Windows Home and want to get rid of OneDrive completely, the easiest way is to just uninstall it like any other app.
To do this, press Windows + I to open your Settings. Head over to Apps, then click on Apps & Features. In the search bar, type Microsoft OneDrive, and when it shows up, click the three dots next to it and choose Uninstall.
Confirm when it asks, and you’re done. OneDrive will disappear from File Explorer and stop running in the background.
Don’t worry, your files won’t be deleted; they’ll stay on your computer unless you choose to remove them yourself.
Disabling OneDrive via Group Policy Editor (Pro, Enterprise, and Education Editions)
If you're on Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education, consider using the Local Group Policy Editor.
It disables OneDrive at a system level, meaning no syncing, no cloud file storage, and the OneDrive icon disappears from File Explorer.
To do this, press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor. From there, navigate through the menu like this:
Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive.
Once you’re in the OneDrive section, double-click on the setting called Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage. When the window opens, select Enabled, then click Apply and OK.
After that, restart your computer to lock in the changes.
Removing OneDrive Using the Windows Registry (Advanced Method)
Now we’re entering more technical territory. If you’re comfortable with the Windows Registry, this method allows you to remove the OneDrive entry from File Explorer without uninstalling the app.
Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}
This registry key controls whether OneDrive appears in the navigation pane.
{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6} is the Class ID associated with OneDrive’s display entry in File Explorer.
Look for a value named System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree.
Double-click it, and change the Value data from 1 to 0.
Click OK and close the Registry Editor and then restart File Explorer or your PC.
Note: On 64-bit systems, repeat the same steps at this path:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WOW6432Node\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}
Advanced Registry: Disable OneDrive System-Wide
Here’s another registry trick, but this one disables the OneDrive service itself, preventing it from running or syncing anything.
Open the Registry Editor (regedit).
Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive
Right-click on the right-hand side and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it DisableFileSyncNGSC.
Double-click the new value and set its Value data to 1 and then restart your system.
Re-enabling OneDrive (In Case You Change Your Mind)
Let’s say you removed OneDrive and later decided to use it again, restoration is easy.
To reinstall:
Download the OneDrive installer (OneDriveSetup.exe) directly from Microsoft’s official website. Once it’s downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen setup prompts.
After the installation is complete, just sign back into your Microsoft account to get everything up and running.
To undo registry edits:
Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the relevant CLSID key. Set the System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree value back to 1 to restore default behavior.
If you previously added DisableFileSyncNGSC, either delete that entry or change its value to 0 to re-enable OneDrive functionality.
Why You Might Want to Remove OneDrive?
You don’t use it: If you rely on other cloud services, OneDrive just takes up space.
You want fewer distractions: That OneDrive folder sitting in File Explorer might be annoying if you never open it.
You prefer local storage: You might simply not want your files synced to the cloud.
You’re on limited data: Background syncing can eat up bandwidth without you noticing.
Which Method is Right for You?
The method you choose depends on your comfort level and your goal:
Want to just stop syncing? Go Ahead and Unlink your account.
Hate seeing the icon in File Explorer? Hide it or use Registry tweaks.
Don’t want OneDrive at all? Uninstall it or disable it via Group Policy.
Each of these steps empowers you to take control of how you interact with your computer. You shouldn’t be forced to use software you don’t want and thankfully, Windows gives you more control than it might seem at first glance.
Still Unsure?
If you're ever unsure about making changes to your system, especially in the Registry, consider creating a System Restore Point first. That way, if anything goes wrong, you can revert your system to a previous state.
Also Read: How to Turn Off Live Caption in Google Chrome | Everything You Need to Know!
