OneDrive has become a standard feature in Windows 11, providing cloud storage and synchronization services for users. While it can be beneficial for many, not everyone prefers to use OneDrive, and some may find its presence in File Explorer to be an inconvenience. If you’re looking to remove OneDrive from your File Explorer view, you’re not alone. In this article, we will guide you through the process of unlinking and removing OneDrive from your Windows 11 File Explorer. This guide will provide you with a straightforward approach, ensuring that you can customize your system to better suit your needs.
Unlink OneDrive Account
To start the removal process, the first step is to unlink your OneDrive account. This action will stop syncing your files and disconnect your OneDrive from your device. You can do this by right-clicking the OneDrive icon in the system tray, selecting Settings, and navigating to the Account tab where you will find the option to unlink this PC.
Disable OneDrive from Startup
To prevent OneDrive from starting automatically when you log into your Windows 11 system, you need to disable it from the startup settings. This can be done via the Task Manager. Open Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, find OneDrive in the list, and choose to disable it. This will ensure that OneDrive does not load up every time you boot your computer.
Remove OneDrive from File Explorer Navigation Pane
Next, you can remove OneDrive from the File Explorer navigation pane. This can be done by editing the Windows Registry. You will need to open the Registry Editor, navigate to the specified key for OneDrive, and modify the settings to hide it from the navigation pane. It’s important to proceed with caution when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can lead to system issues.
Uninstall OneDrive
If you’re sure you won’t be using OneDrive at all, you can choose to uninstall it completely from your system. You can do this through the Settings app by navigating to Apps > Apps & features, finding OneDrive in the list, and selecting the uninstall option. This will free up space on your device and remove all OneDrive-related files.
Delete OneDrive Files
Finally, after unlinking and uninstalling OneDrive, you may want to delete any remaining files stored in the OneDrive folder on your PC. Navigate to the OneDrive directory in your File Explorer, and simply delete the files or the entire folder if you wish. This will ensure that there are no remnants of OneDrive left on your system.
| Step | Action | Location | Notes | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unlink Account | System Tray | Right-click OneDrive icon | Stops syncing |
| 2 | Disable Startup | Task Manager | Navigate to Startup tab | Prevents auto-launch |
| 3 | Remove Navigation Pane | Registry Editor | Edit registry settings | Hides OneDrive |
| 4 | Uninstall OneDrive | Settings App | Apps & features | Removes application |
To summarize, removing OneDrive from File Explorer in Windows 11 involves a few simple steps, including unlinking your account, disabling startup, removing it from the navigation pane, uninstalling the application, and deleting any remaining files. This process allows you to tailor your File Explorer experience to better suit your preferences and needs.
FAQs
Can I re-enable OneDrive after removing it from File Explorer?
Yes, you can easily re-enable OneDrive at any time by reinstalling the application from the Microsoft Store or by enabling it in your system settings.
Will removing OneDrive affect my files stored in the cloud?
No, unlinking or uninstalling OneDrive will not delete your files stored in the OneDrive cloud. You can still access them by logging into your OneDrive account online.
Is it safe to edit the Windows Registry?
Editing the Windows Registry can be risky if you’re not careful, as incorrect changes can affect system stability. Always back up the registry before making any changes.
Can I hide OneDrive without uninstalling it?
Yes, you can hide OneDrive from the navigation pane without uninstalling it by modifying registry settings, which allows you to keep the application installed but out of sight.