How to Completely Uninstall Microsoft OneDrive from Windows 11

Microsoft heavily integrates its OneDrive cloud storage service into Windows 11. By default, it runs constantly in the background, syncs your Desktop and Documents folders to the cloud, and persistently begs you to buy more storage space when it fills up. If you prefer to keep your files stored locally, or if you use a competing service like Google Drive or Dropbox, you can completely uninstall OneDrive from your PC.

How to Uninstall OneDrive

Uninstalling OneDrive is remarkably simple, as Microsoft treats it as a standard application rather than an unremovable core operating system component.

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows Key + I on your keyboard.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Apps.
3. Click on Installed apps to view a list of all software on your computer.
4. Use the search bar at the top of the list and type OneDrive to quickly locate it.
5. Click the three horizontal dots (…) next to Microsoft OneDrive.
6. Select Uninstall from the dropdown menu, and click Uninstall again on the confirmation popup.

Windows will remove the application and stop the background syncing processes immediately.

What Happens to Your Files?

Uninstalling the OneDrive app does not delete your files. Any files that were previously synced to the cloud will remain safely stored on your hard drive, but they will no longer automatically upload changes to Microsoft’s servers. You will also notice that the OneDrive icon has disappeared from the left sidebar of File Explorer, giving you a cleaner, less cluttered interface.