How to Disable OneDrive and Remove It From File Explorer on Windows 10

Don’t use OneDrive? You’re not alone. While Microsoft bundles it with Windows 10, not everyone wants cloud syncing baked into their system. If you’re looking to disable OneDrive and remove it from File Explorer, this guide walks you through exactly how to do it—no unnecessary fluff.

🛑 Why Remove OneDrive?

• You don’t use it
• It syncs files without asking
• It takes up system resources
• You want a cleaner File Explorer

🧹 Option 1: Disable OneDrive Without Uninstalling

This keeps OneDrive installed, but stops it from syncing or running at startup.

Step 1: Unlink Your Account

1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar (cloud symbol).
2. Go to Settings → Account.
3. Click Unlink this PC.
4. Confirm.

Step 2: Disable at Startup

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Right-click Microsoft OneDrive → Disable.

That stops OneDrive from launching automatically.

🧨 Option 2: Uninstall OneDrive Completely

Method 1: Use Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
   (Right-click Start → Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin))
2. Run the uninstall command:

taskkill /f /im OneDrive.exe

%SystemRoot%\System32\OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall

This removes OneDrive from your system. If you’re on a 64-bit PC, and it doesn’t work, try:

%SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall

🚫 Remove OneDrive From File Explorer Sidebar

Even after uninstalling, you may still see “OneDrive” in the File Explorer sidebar. To get rid of it, edit the registry.

⚠️ Caution: Editing the Windows Registry can break things. Back it up first.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, press Enter.
2. Navigate to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}

3. Double-click System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree
4. Change the value from 1 to 0
5. Click OK

Step 2 (For 64-bit Windows):

Also go to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WOW6432Node\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}

Repeat the same change: set System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree to 0.

Step 3: Restart Explorer

Either restart your PC or run this command to refresh File Explorer:

taskkill /f /im explorer.exe && start explorer.exe

Now OneDrive should be completely gone from the sidebar.

✅ Done! OneDrive Is Out of Your Way

You’ve now disabled, uninstalled, and removed OneDrive from File Explorer. Your system is cleaner, lighter, and no longer syncs files to the cloud behind your back.

Need help restoring OneDrive later? Let me know in the comments—I’ll walk you through the reinstall.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!