What Happens if I Uninstall OneDrive - A Complete Guide

Uninstalling OneDrive might seem like a straightforward process, but it's not as simple as deleting an app. You'll need to understand what happens to your files and settings.

OneDrive is deeply integrated into Windows, so uninstalling it won't remove all its files and settings.

Your files will still be accessible through the File Explorer, and you can continue to use them as usual. This is because OneDrive syncs your files to the cloud, so they're still stored there even after uninstallation.

You won't lose any of your files or data, but you will lose the ability to access them through the OneDrive app and website.

You might be worried about losing your files if you uninstall OneDrive, but don't worry, it's not a straightforward process.

Deleting OneDrive doesn't automatically delete your files, so you can breathe a sigh of relief.

However, uninstalling OneDrive can lead to permanent loss if not managed properly, so it's essential to understand the process.

Deleting files from OneDrive removes them from your synced devices and online storage, which can be a bit of a problem if you're not careful.

It's worth noting that files can be recovered from the Recycle Bin shortly after deletion, but permanent deletion from both the Recycle Bin and uninstalling OneDrive poses a higher risk of data loss.

To avoid any issues, make sure you manage your files properly before uninstalling OneDrive, and don't forget to check the Recycle Bin for any deleted files.

Uninstalling OneDrive is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps. You can uninstall OneDrive from the Settings app or through the Control Panel.

To begin, you'll need to open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I. From there, you can scroll down the list until you find Microsoft OneDrive and click or tap on it to select it.

Alternatively, you can uninstall OneDrive through the Control Panel by following these steps:

Keep in mind that uninstalling OneDrive will not delete your files by default, but it will remove the syncing capability and access to your files through the OneDrive app. It's essential to back up your important files before uninstalling OneDrive to avoid potential loss or inconvenience.

If you're not sure how to uninstall OneDrive, you can also try using the built-in uninstaller that comes with the OneDrive application. To do this, follow these steps:

Note that uninstalling OneDrive will also remove any leftover files and registry entries, but this can be a time-consuming process that requires caution to avoid accidentally deleting something important.

Before removing OneDrive, make sure all necessary files are backed up or synced to alternative storage solutions. This is a crucial step to prevent accidental data loss and maintain access to important files across devices.

You can choose to backup or sync your OneDrive files to an external hard drive or another cloud service. Backing up your OneDrive files to an external storage device is a prudent way to ensure your data is safely stored offline.

Accidental data loss can be devastating, so it's essential to be proactive and take steps to protect your files before removing OneDrive.

If you've decided to uninstall OneDrive, you'll need a reliable cloud storage alternative to keep your files safe. MiniTool ShadowMaker is a powerful tool that can sync files with ease and even back up your operating system.

MiniTool ShadowMaker is more flexible than OneDrive and offers advanced file sync parameters that you can set to your liking. You can also schedule automatic file syncs to ensure your data is always up-to-date.

To sync files with MiniTool ShadowMaker, you'll need to choose a target disk to save the synchronized files. It's recommended to choose an external hard drive for added security.

Here are the five destination paths you can choose from to save your synchronized files:

By choosing the right destination path, you can ensure your files are safe and easily accessible.

Removing OneDrive is a relatively straightforward process, and you can do it using third-party software like Auslogics BoostSpeed's Uninstall Manager.

To use this tool, download and install Auslogics BoostSpeed, then navigate to the Multi Uninstall Manager section and select Microsoft OneDrive from the list of installed applications.

Clicking the Uninstall button will remove OneDrive and perform a thorough clean-up, including getting rid of leftover files and registry entries.

Alternatively, you can disable OneDrive in Windows settings, which will remove it from the list of installed apps and prevent it from syncing data to Microsoft's cloud storage.

OneDrive's removal will also cause the OneDrive icon to disappear from the system tray on the taskbar, and the OneDrive section will no longer be visible in File Explorer.

If you're using Windows 11, removing OneDrive will also cause the Gallery section to only display pictures stored locally on your computer, and not pictures stored in OneDrive.

Using a third-party software like Auslogics BoostSpeed's Uninstall Manager is a great way to remove OneDrive from your PC. This tool helps get rid of OneDrive and its leftover files and registry entries.

To use Auslogics BoostSpeed's Uninstall Manager, you'll need to download and install the app. You might get administrator permission warnings while opening the app, so be sure to accept them.

Download Auslogics BoostSpeed from the internet and follow the prompts to install it.

Once installed, navigate to the bottom of the screen and find Multi Uninstall Manager. Click on it to see a list of installed applications on your PC.

To find Microsoft OneDrive in the list, you can scroll through the list or use the search bar to find it.

Click on Microsoft OneDrive to select it, then click the Uninstall button at the top of the list to remove it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you uninstall OneDrive using Auslogics BoostSpeed's Uninstall Manager:

Removing OneDrive from Windows doesn't affect your computer's functionality. You can still use your computer normally without OneDrive.

You'll no longer see the OneDrive icon on your taskbar, which can be a relief if you find it annoying. The icon is shown in the system tray area of the taskbar in both Windows 10 and 11.

When you uninstall OneDrive, the app is no longer present on your computer and stops syncing data to Microsoft's cloud storage. This means your files won't be automatically backed up to the cloud.

In Windows 10, the OneDrive section in File Explorer disappears when you uninstall OneDrive. You'll no longer see it on the left side of the File Explorer window.

In Windows 11, the OneDrive section in File Explorer is also removed, and the Gallery section only displays pictures stored locally on your computer.