How to disable OneDrive in Windows 11

OneDrive is one of the best cloud storage services out there, mostly because it's baked into Windows and integrates well with Microsoft Office apps. It automatically syncs most of your files, and mostly stays out of your way. However, it does have its downsides. For one, if OneDrive is syncing files all the time, it can lead to your computer slowing down or losing battery life. Plus, storing all your files in the cloud by default isn't something everyone wants.

If you’re tired of dealing with these issues, you can disable OneDrive temporarily or permanently.

Top OneDrive alternatives© Provided by XDA Developers

There are ample cloud storage solutions to replace your existing OneDrive setup

How to pause or turn off OneDrive

If you want to temporarily disable OneDrive but still be able to use it in the future, then pausing it is a good idea. This is the quickest way of stopping it from automatically backing up or syncing your files and folders. You can manually choose the pause duration, but just keep in mind that once that duration ends, OneDrive will continue syncing your files.

1. Click the cloud icon, or click the small arrow next to the date and time to find and click the OneDrive cloud icon. Make sure you only click it once, as double-clicking it will take you to the OneDrive folder.
   

   Windows 11 screenshot that highlights the OneDrive icon in the system tray.© Provided by XDA Developers
2. In the OneDrive window, click the gear icon in the top-right corner. From the drop-down menu, click on Pause syncing.
3. You can set the pause duration for two, eight, or 24 hours.
   

   Windows 11 screenshot that highlights the settings icon and the Pause syncing feature in the OneDrive app.© Provided by XDA Developers

Alternatively, if you want to stop the application's activity for an indefinite period, click on Quit OneDrive. Next, click Quit OneDrive again on the confirmation box that pops up.

Windows 11 screenshot that highlights the pause menu in the OneDrive app.© Provided by XDA Developers

That’s all you need to stop OneDrive temporarily. Remember, whenever you restart your PC, OneDrive will restart and resume working as usual. If you want to get rid of it permanently, you’ll have to uninstall the app. You can stop OneDrive from launching at startup, although it will still try to sync whenever you launch the app later.

Screenshot of Windows 11 Task Manager open on the desktop showing startup apps© Provided by XDA Developers

Is your computer taking too long to boot and feeling slow? You can turn off startup tasks in Windows 11 to help your PC run a bit faster.

How to uninstall OneDrive

If you're not interested in using OneDrive at all, then you’re better off uninstalling it completely.

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type OneDrive into the search box.
2. On the right, youll see a list of actions that you can perform. Just click Uninstall. This will take you to the Installed apps page in the Settings app.
   

   Windows 11 screenshot that highlights the Uninstall option for the OneDrive app in the start menu.© Provided by XDA Developers
3. Type OneDrive in the search box at the top. Right-click on the three dots next to the app, and select Uninstall from the drop-down menu.
   

   Windows 11 screenshot that highlights the OneDrive app and the Uninstall option within the Settings app.© Provided by XDA Developers
4. Click Uninstall once again when Windows asks you for confirmation.
   

   Windows 11 screenshot that highlights a confirmation box asking the user if they want to uninstall the OneDrive app.© Provided by XDA Developers

If you now search for the OneDrive app in the start menu, you’ll find that it’s no longer there. In case you change your mind and want to download and install the app again in the future, you can do so by searching for it in the Microsoft Store.

An image showing the Xbox app running on an Alienware laptop.© Provided by XDA Developers

Is the Xbox app causing you problems? Here's how you can uninstall it.

Getting rid of the OneDrive app in Windows 11

There’s a common theme with some of Microsoft’s native Windows 11 apps and features: they’re useful, but sometimes buggy and intrusive. If OneDrive is not working how you expect it to, follow the methods above to either temporarily disable it or remove it from your computer entirely. There are a lot of great OneDrive alternatives out there, but if you're exhausted from dealing with cloud storage, try replacing it with a NAS setup.