Although Windows 11 comes with the company’s OneDrive cloud storage service built-in, many prefer third-party alternatives like Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox. If you are not invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, we recommend deleting OneDrive from Windows 11 for good. Here are the best ways to uninstall OneDrive from Windows.
While you can always disable OneDrive on Windows 11, the steps to remove the app require more steps and patience. Microsoft doesn’t make it easy to remove OneDrive from your computer. Before we begin, here are several reasons to uninstall OneDrive from Windows 11.
Why Should You Uninstall OneDrive from Windows 11
OneDrive is quite useful to Microsoft 365 subscribers. But if you don’t use it, Microsoft’s cloud storage service can take up major resources on your PC.
- OneDrive often opens at startup and makes a high impact on your PC. You can save system resources by deleting the app.
- You can free up storage space on your PC.
- You can avoid OneDrive updates and save internet bandwidth.
- To enjoy faster boot and startup time.
1. Uninstall OneDrive From Windows Settings
It’s the easiest way to uninstall OneDrive from Windows. You can use the Windows Settings menu to remove OneDrive and all the leftover files.
Step 1: Head to Windows 11 Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys.
Step 2: Select Apps from the sidebar. Open Installed Apps.
Step 3: Scroll to OneDrive and click the three-dot menu beside it.
Step 4: Select Uninstall and confirm your decision.
The steps above only uninstall OneDrive from your PC. Your files are still accessible from the web version.
2. Use Revo Uninstaller
Revo Uninstaller is one of the best third-party apps to remove built-in apps on Windows. Although the Pro version comes with several features, the free version is capable enough for most to uninstall OneDrive. Let’s check it in action.
Step 1: Download the Revo Uninstaller app on your Windows PC.
Step 2: Install and open the app.
Step 3: Select Microsoft OneDrive under Uninstaller.
Step 4: Hit Uninstall. Confirm your decision from the following menu.
If Microsoft OneDrive is still running into the background, you may run into errors with deleting the app. You need to completely close the app using the Task Manager menu.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Task Manager. Hit Enter.
Step 2: Search for Microsoft OneDrive at the top.
Step 3: Select Microsoft OneDrive and hit End task at the top.
Now, close OneDirve-related services from the same list and try using Revo Uninstaller to remove OneDrive from Windows 11.
3. Use Registry Editor to Uninstall OneDrive
You can use Registry Editor to uninstall OneDrive too. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Press the Windows key, search for Registry Editor, and open it as administrator.
Step 2: Move to the following path.
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}
Step 3: Find the ‘System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree’ file from the right side. Double-click on it.
Step 4: Set the value data to 0 and click OK.
Now, restart the PC and open the File Explorer menu. You won’t find the OneDrive folder from the sidebar.
4. Remove OneDrive Using Group Policy Editor
If the trick above doesn’t work, use Group Policy Editor on Windows. The app is available on Windows Pro and Enterprise editions only. Also, be very careful while making tweaks in the Group Policy Editor. A small misstep can corrupt your PC’s system files.
Step 1: Search for Group policy in the start menu and hit Enter.
Step 2: Move to the following folder.
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive
Step 3: Find ‘Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage’ and double-click on it.
Click Enabled from the pop-up menu and save settings. Restart your computer, and OneDrive should disappear from File Explorer.
Explore OneDrive Alternatives
Now that you have uninstalled OneDrive from Windows 11, it’s time to set up your favorite cloud storage service on the PC. Google Drive is the most popular app among users. Google offers a native Drive app on Windows that integrates well with the File Explorer. It also supports files-on-demand. You can use the link below to download Google Drive on Windows.
Download Google Drive on Windows
Get Rid of OneDrive From Windows
OneDrive taking unnecessary space and CPU usage on Windows can lead to a below-average experience. Use the tricks above and completely delete OneDrive from Windows in no time.
