How to Completely Disable OneDrive in Windows 11 and 10 (Updated July 2025)

Introduction

Have you ever felt that OneDrive is more trouble than it’s worth?

Many users find Microsoft OneDrive convenient at first, only to later discover that it syncs files automatically, consumes system resources, or even reinstalls itself after updates. If you’ve tried to remove or disable OneDrive but found it keeps coming back, you’re not alone.

This guide walks you through all the ways to disable OneDrive completely, including methods for both Home and Pro editions of Windows 10 and 11. Updated as of July 2025, we’ll also cover new behaviors seen in version 24H2 and beyond.

Why Disable OneDrive?

Here are some of the most common reasons users want to turn OneDrive off:

• No need for cloud sync – Prefer local storage or use other cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive.
• Saving storage space – Syncing to OneDrive can consume precious C: drive space.
• Privacy concerns – Don’t want personal files uploaded automatically to the cloud.
• System performance – OneDrive’s background processes can slow down startup and system speed.

“I personally want to disable it because it fills up my C: drive quickly.”

Step 1: Pause Syncing Temporarily (Easy Method)

This method simply stops sync, but doesn’t remove OneDrive.

1. Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar.
2. Click Settings → go to the Account tab.
3. Click Unlink this PC.
4. Confirm when prompted.

Note: This does not uninstall OneDrive. The app remains installed.

Step 2: Uninstall OneDrive from Your System

▶ For Windows 11 / 10:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed Apps.
2. Search for Microsoft OneDrive.
3. Click Uninstall, then confirm.

▶ For Windows 8.1 / 7:

1. Go to Control Panel → Programs and Features.
2. Find Microsoft OneDrive and uninstall it.

However, uninstalling does not guarantee that OneDrive will never return. Certain system files and registry entries may still remain.

Step 3: Disable OneDrive via Group Policy (Windows Pro & above only)

This method is the most reliable for complete deactivation.

❗ This method requires Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive
3. Double-click Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage.
4. Select Enabled, then click Apply and OK.

This will also remove OneDrive from File Explorer’s sidebar.

Step 4: Disable OneDrive via Registry Editor (For Home Users)

Caution: Modifying the registry incorrectly can cause serious system issues. Always back it up first.

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Go to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\OneDrive
3. If the OneDrive key doesn’t exist, right-click to create a new key.
4. Inside that key, right-click and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name it: DisableFileSyncNGSC
6. Double-click it and set the value to 1.

Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Additional Step: Remove from Startup (Optional but Recommended)

Even after disabling or uninstalling, OneDrive might remain in startup programs.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Find Microsoft OneDrive, right-click and select Disable.

July 2025 Update: New OneDrive Behaviors in Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft has made changes that may reactivate OneDrive automatically even after uninstallation. Here’s what you need to know:

Auto-Reinstallation via Windows Updates

Some users reported that OneDrive gets reinstalled after installing updates or patches, especially on Windows 11 24H2.

Solution:

Use Group Policy (Pro) or Registry tweaks (Home) to keep OneDrive disabled even after reinstallation.

Re-linking through Microsoft Edge

In some cases, Microsoft Edge resets its download folder to OneDrive even after OneDrive was removed.

Solution:

Go to Edge → Settings > Downloads > Location and change it manually to another folder.

Automatic Setup with Microsoft Account

When logging in with a Microsoft account, OneDrive may automatically launch and begin setup.

Solution:

3Use a local account during setup or select “Not now” when prompted to set up OneDrive.

Personal Vault Notice (New Feature Alert)

OneDrive now includes a feature called “Personal Vault”. Even after OneDrive is disabled, some users may receive pop-ups asking to activate this feature.

If you see this, you can safely ignore it. It doesn’t mean OneDrive is reactivated.

Final Checks After Disabling OneDrive

• Restart your PC to ensure all changes apply.
• Check File Explorer – OneDrive should be gone from the sidebar.
• If the OneDrive folder still exists, check its contents before deleting manually.
• Want to re-enable it? Reinstall OneDrive from the official Microsoft site.

Conclusion

Completely disabling OneDrive isn’t always easy—especially on Home editions—but it’s certainly possible with the right steps. Whether you want to save disk space, improve performance, or protect your privacy, disabling OneDrive can be a smart move.

As Microsoft continues to deepen OneDrive integration in future updates, it’s important to re-check your settings after system upgrades.

Take control of your PC. Disable what you don’t need—and enjoy a cleaner, faster system!

✔️You might also find these helpful:

▶︎July 2025 Patch Tuesday – What to Expect Based on the Latest Preview Updates

▶︎Office Not Opening or Crashing After Windows Update? Here’s How to Fix It (2025 Guide)

💡 Looking for more tips? Check out our full list of Windows Help Guides.

タグ: Privacy, Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows Tips, OneDrive, Microsoft account, cloud storage, Registry, Disable OneDrive, Group Policy