OneDrive is an essential part of Windows. Microsoft automatically opens the cloud storage service in the background during system startup. While OneDrive works seamlessly with Windows, many still prefer Google Drive or Dropbox to sync their files. If you are among them, you should disable OneDrive from opening at startup.
OneDrive opening at startup does make a high impact on your PC. You can use the tricks below if you completely want to stop the behavior.
1. Disable OneDrive at Startup From Windows Settings
Windows Settings is the best way to stop OneDrive and other unnecessary services from opening at startup. The Settings app also lets you check the impact of each active service at startup.
Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
Step 2: Head to Apps > Startup section.
Step 3: Check Microsoft OneDrive and its impact on your system. Disable the OneDrive toggle.
You can repeat the same for all the irrelevant services on your system. You can always open OneDrive to start syncing. If you face issues with signing into OneDrive, check our dedicated guide to fix the problem.
2. Disable OneDrive at Startup Using Task Manager
Microsoft has completely revamped Task Manager on Windows 11. It is better than ever with a new user interface. Go through the steps below to disable OneDrive at system startup using the Task Manager app.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Task Manager. Hit Enter to open the app.
Step 2: Select the Startup Apps menu from the sidebar.
Step 3: Right-click on OneDrive and select Disable from the context menu.
Step 4: Close Task Manager.
You can now restart the PC, and the OneDrive service won’t open at startup now.
3. Use OneDrive Settings
You can disable OneDrive at system login from the app settings too. Go through the steps below to make tweaks.
Step 1: Select the OneDrive icon in the task manager.
Step 2: Click the gear icon at the top and open Settings.
Step 3: Move to the Settings tab.
Step 4: Disable the checkmark beside the ‘Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows’ option. Click OK.
OneDrive settings completely lets you customize the app experience on Windows. You can change sync folders, check storage, and more.
4. Use Command Prompt
While it’s not the ideal option, you can use the Command Prompt app on Windows to stop OneDrive from opening at startup. Command Prompt is not popular among general users, but OneDrive is still opening at startup; use it to stop the behavior.
Step 1: Click the Windows key and search for Command Prompt. Hit Enter.
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter.
reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" /f /v "OneDrive"
Close Command Prompt and restart the PC.
5. Disable OneDrive at Startup Using Registry
Be careful while making changes in the Registry. You should only use this trick if the above methods don’t work. A wrong tweak in Registry can permanently damage your PC. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Registry Editor. Hit Enter to open the app. You can also press Windows + R keys to the Run menu and type ‘regedit’ to open the app.
Step 2: Follow the path below.
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Step 3: Find OneDrive from the sidebar. Right-click on it and select Delete.
If you no longer wish to use OneDrive, you can delete the cloud storage service from the Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps menu. When you find OneDrive, click the three-dot menu and select Uninstall.
Stop Using OneDrive on Windows
Now that you have prevented OneDrive from opening at startup, it’s time to make a switch to another cloud service. You can go with Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud and download the preferred native app on Windows to enjoy flawless integration with the File Explorer app.
