How to Completely Remove OneDrive from Your Windows 10 PC

OneDrive is a useful cloud storage service integrated into Windows 10. However, if you ever want to rid your system of it for good, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps. Whether you've uninstalled it and Windows still shows it in the File Explorer, or you just want to ensure it's completely removed, this article will help you achieve that.

Why Might You Want to Remove OneDrive?

OneDrive is incredibly useful, but for those who want a clean slate or prefer other cloud storage services, the decision to remove it is not unusual. It is designed to take up minimal space and resources, but for some, it may still be a headache to manage. This guide includes methods to thoroughly remove OneDrive, including advanced techniques to ensure no traces remain.

Methods to Remove OneDrive

1. Uninstall via Add or Remove Programs

If you are simply installing or uninstalling OneDrive, the first step is to remove it using the Add or Remove Programs feature within the Control Panel:

Select the Start button. In the search box, type add or remove programs, and select it from the list of results. Under Apps features, find Microsoft OneDrive. Select Uninstall. If prompted, type an administrator password or confirm the action.

2. Stop OneDrive from Starting Automatically

Even though you've uninstalled OneDrive, you might still see it in the File Explorer. This can be addressed by stopping it from starting automatically:

Open the Task Manager (you can do this by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting Task Manager, or by pressing Ctrl Shift Esc). Go to the Startup tab and find the OneDrive app. Right-click the OneDrive app and select Disable.

3. Use Third-Party Uninstall Tools

For a complete removal, third-party tools such as Revo Uninstaller Pro or Sycnex/Windows10Debloater can be very helpful. These tools address system-level changes that standard uninstall procedures might miss:

Revo Uninstaller Pro: This tool can find and remove all traces of OneDrive, including registry entries and hidden Temp files. Here's how to use it to remove OneDrive: Sycnex/Windows10Debloater: This powerful tool includes a script to completely remove OneDrive, as well as other Microsoft services. You can view the source code of its OneDrive removal script to understand what it does. Download the tool and run the Uninstall OneDrive PowerShell script.

Why Windows Keeps Reinstalling OneDrive

OneDrive comes back after many Windows updates because Microsoft actively promotes its use. This is a result of Microsoft's strategy to make their cloud services the default in modern operating systems. If you're determined to stay away from Microsoft's cloud services, keep Sycnex/Windows10Debloater handy and run it after every update to ensure OneDrive is not reinstalled.

By following these steps, you can ensure that OneDrive is completely removed from your Windows 10 system. Whether you're running regular checks or planning a full cleanup, knowing the comprehensive process will help you maintain a clean and streamlined environment.