Removing OneDrive from Windows 10 can be a bit tricky sometimes, especially if the uninstaller is grayed out or it refuses to go quietly. For folks who don’t use Microsoft’s cloud storage or just want a cleaner way to manage their apps, disabling or uninstalling OneDrive can help turn down some background noise. It can also speed things up a bit if OneDrive was running unnecessary syncs in the background, especially on machines with limited resources. The goal here is to either completely remove it or at least get it out of the way so it’s not constantly pressing for your attention.
How to Remove OneDrive from Windows 10
Method 1: Uninstall from Settings
Why this works: On one setup it’s the simplest way since it’s built into Windows, assuming the option isn’t grayed out. It’s best for those who are comfortable with the normal app removal process. When you uninstall, it’s like saying, “Hey, I don’t need you anymore, ” and Windows usually lets you do this fairly easily.
- Open the Start menu and click on the gear icon to open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps — this is where all your apps are listed, including built-in ones.
- Scroll or search for Microsoft OneDrive. It might be under “Microsoft” or just listed alphabetically.
- Click on it, then hit the Uninstall button — if it’s active.
- Follow any prompts. It might ask for admin permissions or confirmation. If it goes smoothly, you should see it vanish from your apps list and hopefully stop running.
This is usually the easiest route, but here’s the thing — sometimes on certain Windows 10 builds, the uninstall button just isn’t there or is disabled. If that’s the case, move on to the next method.
Method 2: Disable via Group Policy or Registry
Why this helps: For some, OneDrive is so tightly integrated that the uninstallation doesn’t stick or isn’t even available. Disabling it through Group Policy or Registry forces Windows to turn it off. It won’t run, and little by little, Windows acts like it’s not even there. And honestly, it’s kind of weird, but sometimes the only way to get rid of those remnant background processes.
Note: This method is a little more advanced. Be careful when editing the Registry or Group Policy. A mistake could mess things up.
- To access Group Policy, hit Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, then hit Enter. - Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive.
- Find the setting Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage. Double-click it and set it to Enabled.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Reboot your PC and OneDrive should be disabled from syncing or launching.
- Open Registry Editor by typing
regeditin the Run box (Windows + R) and pressing Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\OneDrive. If the key doesn’t exist, you might have to create it. - Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value called DisableFileSyncNGSC.
- Set its value to 1.
- Reboot, and OneDrive should be disabled at the system level — kinda like a registry-level “no thanks.”
- Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray and select Settings.
- Go to the Settings tab and uncheck Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in.
- Next, stop syncing by selecting Unlink this PC under the account tab.
- Make sure to download any important files first — once it’s gone, those files aren’t synced anymore.
- If you’re on Windows 10 Pro, the Group Policy route is your best shot. Otherwise, Registry hacking works too but backup first.
- Always back up your Registry before diving in — just in case something goes sideways.
- Disconnect your account from OneDrive in its settings, so it doesn’t try to sync anything before removal.
- If you still want some cloud backup, try other services like Dropbox or Google Drive — just to keep options open.
If you’re on Windows 10 Home or prefer the Registry way, here’s what to do:
Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary. On some machines, this disables the app from launching at all. Not sure exactly why it sometimes takes a reboot and sometimes not, but hey, at least it’s out of your way。
Extra tip: Stop OneDrive from picturing itself in File Explorer
If OneDrive is still showing up in your Explorer sidebar but isn’t running or syncing, you might want to hide it:
This won’t remove the app, but it kills its automatic startup and syncs, which might be enough if the main goal is to quiet it down.
Tips for Removing OneDrive from Windows 10
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OneDrive?
Basically, it’s Microsoft’s cloud storage that gives you access to files across devices. If you’re not into cloud storage, it’s kind of like an extra app running in the background for no reason.
Can I reinstall OneDrive later?
Absolutely. Just download it from the Microsoft website and install again if you change your mind.
Does removing OneDrive delete my files?
Not at all. All your files stay on your PC and in the cloud unless you manually delete them. Removing the app just stops the sync and hides it from view.
What if OneDrive isn’t visible in my apps list?
This can happen if it’s embedded into Windows more deeply. In those cases, using Group Policy or Registry editing is the only way to disable it effectively. Sometimes, you might need to run a PowerShell command to free it from your system, too — but be cautious with that.
Will disabling or removing OneDrive hurt other Microsoft services?
Nah, it’s pretty isolated. You can still run Office, Outlook, Teams, all that, without OneDrive. It just won’t sync files unless you set up an alternative.
Wrap-up
Getting rid of OneDrive isn’t always effortless, but with these options, especially disabling through Group Policy or Registry, it’s doable. On some setups, it’s just about stopping it from running in the background; on others, a full uninstall makes sense. Just remember, Windows loves to fight you on this, so patience helps. If it works for one machine but not another, try rebooting or double-checking your steps. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone or helps clean up some resource hogging.