Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage solution, included and enabled by default on all Windows 11 devices. However, it might not be your cloud storage platform of preference, or you might just want to pause or turn it off, for various reasons.
This guide explores how to disable OneDrive sync and how to remove the app as well.
How to Pause OneDrive Syncing
If you only want to disable OneDrive sync temporarily, pausing it is the best option. You can do this quickly and easily via the OneDrive menu.
Step 1. Click the little upwards-facing arrow next to your Wi-Fi and volume buttons, in the bottom-right corner of your desktop.
Step 2. Click on the OneDrive icon.
Step 3. Click the “Settings” button (shaped like a cog) in the top-right corner of the pop-up OneDrive menu.
Step 4. Select “Pause syncing” and then choose a duration. Your options are two hours, eight hours, or 24 hours.
How to Disable OneDrive Syncing
Alternatively, you may choose to simply turn the entire OneDrive app off. This will automatically stop OneDrive from syncing until you turn the app back on or reboot your device.
Step 1. Click the arrow in the bottom-right corner of your display, next to the Wi-Fi and volume icons.
Step 2. Left or right-click on the OneDrive icon.
Step 3. Click the “Settings” button in the top-right corner of the OneDrive menu.
Step 4. Select “Pause syncing” and then click on “Quit OneDrive.” You’ll see a pop-up message asking if you are sure, so click once again to confirm and close the app.
How to Remove OneDrive
If the other two methods don’t suffice, or you just want to turn off OneDrive for good and stop it from ever syncing your files or uploading things to the cloud, you can remove or disable it. Some machines will let you uninstall the app, while others just offer a disable option.
Step 1. Go to the Settings menu, either via the Start menu shortcut or by pressing your “Windows” and “I” keys together.
Step 2. Go to “Apps” and then “Installed apps.”
Step 3. Find “OneDrive” in the list of installed apps. You can search for it using the bar provided, or just scroll down through the list.
Step 4. Click on the three dots button beside Microsoft OneDrive. Then select “Uninstall” if the option is available and follow the on-screen prompts to completely uninstall OneDrive from your device (you may need to restart). If the “Uninstall” button isn’t there or is greyed out, you can select “Modify” instead and then choose to disable the app. It will remain disabled until you choose to turn it back on.
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