What To Know
- The first step is to remove OneDrive from your PC using the standard Windows uninstallation process.
- Go to “View” in the File Explorer ribbon and check the box for “Hidden items.
- After following the steps above, it’s a good practice to check for any lingering OneDrive files or processes.
OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service, is a popular choice for syncing files and accessing them from any device. However, there are times when you might want to remove OneDrive completely from your PC. Maybe you’re switching to a different cloud storage provider, or you simply don’t need the extra space it takes up.
This guide will walk you through the process of completely uninstalling OneDrive from your Windows PC, ensuring it’s gone for good. We’ll cover everything from the basic uninstallation steps to advanced methods for removing lingering files and registry entries.
Understanding OneDrive’s Persistence: Why a Simple Uninstall Isn’t Enough
Before we delve into the steps, it’s crucial to understand why simply uninstalling OneDrive through the Control Panel isn‘t always enough. OneDrive, like many other modern applications, has a tendency to leave behind remnants, including:
- Hidden folders: OneDrive creates folders in your user profile, even if you’ve never used the service. These folders might contain configuration files and temporary data.
- Registry entries: OneDrive registers itself within your Windows registry, storing settings and information about its installation.
- Background processes: Even after uninstalling, OneDrive might still run in the background, consuming resources and potentially interfering with other applications.
To truly remove OneDrive, we need to address these remnants, ensuring a clean and complete removal.
Step 1: Uninstalling OneDrive Through the Control Panel
The first step is to remove OneDrive from your PC using the standard Windows uninstallation process. This will remove the main OneDrive application and its associated files.
1. Open the Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and open it.
2. Navigate to Programs: Click on “Programs” and then select “Programs and Features.”
3. Locate OneDrive: Scroll through the list of installed programs and find “Microsoft OneDrive.”
4. Uninstall OneDrive: Right-click on OneDrive and select “Uninstall.” Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Step 2: Removing OneDrive Folders
After uninstalling OneDrive, you need to manually remove the remaining folders. These folders are usually hidden, so you’ll need to enable the “Show hidden files” option in Windows Explorer.
1. Open File Explorer: Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key ++ E.
2. Enable Hidden Files: Go to “View” in the File Explorer ribbon and check the box for “Hidden items.”
3. Delete OneDrive Folders: Navigate to the following locations and delete the OneDrive folders:
- C:Users[Your Username]OneDrive
- C:Users[Your Username]AppDataLocalMicrosoftOneDrive
- C:Users[Your Username]AppDataRoamingMicrosoftOneDrive
Step 3: Removing OneDrive Registry Entries
OneDrive also stores information in the Windows registry. To ensure a complete removal, you need to delete these registry entries. Be careful when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can cause system instability.
1. Open Registry Editor: Search for “regedit” in the Windows search bar and open it.
2. Navigate to OneDrive Entries: Navigate to the following registry keys and delete them:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOneDrive
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftOneDrive
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREWOW6432NodeMicrosoftOneDrive
3. Close Registry Editor: Once you’ve deleted the registry entries, close Registry Editor and restart your PC.
Step 4: Disabling OneDrive Startup
Even after completely uninstalling OneDrive, it might still try to start automatically when you boot your PC. To prevent this, you need to disable OneDrive from starting at startup.
1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to Startup: Click on the “Startup” tab.
3. Disable OneDrive: Locate OneDrive in the list of startup programs and disable it by clicking the “Disable” button.
Step 5: Checking for Lingering Files and Processes
After following the steps above, it’s a good practice to check for any lingering OneDrive files or processes. You can do this using the following methods:
- Search for “OneDrive”: Search your PC for “OneDrive” to see if any files or folders remain.
- Use a File Explorer Search: In File Explorer, use the search bar to look for “OneDrive” and see if any results appear.
- Check Running Processes: Open Task Manager and go to the “Processes” tab. Search for any processes related to OneDrive and end them.
The Final Step: Rebooting for a Fresh Start
After completing all the steps above, it’s recommended to reboot your PC. This ensures that all changes are applied, and OneDrive is completely removed from your system.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques for Complete Removal
If you’re still experiencing issues with OneDrive or suspect lingering files, you can try advanced techniques for a more thorough removal. These techniques involve using third-party tools and manually searching for hidden files and registry entries.
- Use a Uninstaller Tool: There are several third-party uninstaller tools available that can help you completely remove applications, including OneDrive. These tools scan your system for leftover files and registry entries and remove them for you.
- Manually Search for Hidden Files: Use a file explorer to manually search for hidden files and folders related to OneDrive. You can use search operators like “OneDrive*” or “*OneDrive*” to find files that contain the word “OneDrive.”
- Use a Registry Cleaner: A registry cleaner can help you identify and remove invalid registry entries, including those related to OneDrive. However, use caution when using registry cleaners, as they can potentially cause system instability if used incorrectly.
OneDrive is Gone: A Clean Slate
Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully remove OneDrive from your PC, ensuring it’s gone for good. Remember to be careful when editing the registry and consider using third-party tools if you’re unsure about manual removal techniques.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I uninstall OneDrive if I’m using it to sync files?
A: Yes, you can uninstall OneDrive even if you’re using it to sync files. However, you’ll lose access to your files stored in OneDrive unless you download them to your PC before uninstalling.
Q: Will uninstalling OneDrive delete my files?
A: No, uninstalling OneDrive will not delete your files. Your files will remain stored in your OneDrive account, and you can access them by logging in to the OneDrive website or using the OneDrive app on another device.
Q: What happens to my OneDrive files after uninstalling?
A: Your OneDrive files will remain stored in your OneDrive account. You can access them by logging in to the OneDrive website or using the OneDrive app on another device.
Q: Can I reinstall OneDrive after uninstalling it?
A: Yes, you can reinstall OneDrive at any time. You can download the latest version of OneDrive from the Microsoft website.
Q: Is it safe to delete OneDrive folders?
A: It is safe to delete OneDrive folders after uninstalling OneDrive. However, it’s important to ensure that you’re deleting the correct folders and not deleting any important files.
