Microsoft’s cloud storage service OneDrive is a useful tool for file syncing and device access. On the other hand, there may be situations in which you would choose to disable or permanently turn off OneDrive.
Turning off OneDrive is simple, whether you want to do so for personal preference or to conserve system resources. Here is a detailed tutorial on how to accomplish that.
Why Would You Turn Off OneDrive?
Let’s examine a few reasons why someone would think about turning off OneDrive before getting started with the instructions:
- Privacy Concerns: For privacy-related concerns, some users might rather save their files locally rather than on the cloud.
- System Resources: If OneDrive isn’t used frequently, turning it off can help save system resources.
- Preferential Storage: Users may favor local storage options or other cloud providers.
How to Turn Off OneDrive?
Using Windows 10:
1. Pause Syncing
- To access OneDrive, right-click on the taskbar icon.
- Once “Settings” is selected, select the “Account” option.
- To pause syncing, click “Pause sync” and select the amount of time.
2. Disable OneDrive at Startup
- The Task Manager can be opened by using Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Turn to the “Startup” tab, find “OneDrive,” click with the right mouse button, and choose “Disable.”
3. Unlink OneDrive
- Click the OneDrive icon with a right-click, then choose “Settings.”
- After selecting the “Account” option, select “Unlink this PC.”
- To confirm unlinking the PC from OneDrive, adhere to the instructions.
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On a Mac:
1. Pause Syncing:
- In the menu bar, select the OneDrive symbol.
- Once “Preferences” is selected, select the “Account” tab.
- Press “Pause syncing” and select the time frame.
2. Stop OneDrive from Launching at Startup:
- Click on “System Preferences” and choose “Users & Groups.”
- Choose the “Login Items” option after clicking on your user account.
- To delete OneDrive from the startup items, locate it and click the ‘-‘ button.
3. Unlink OneDrive:
- Click the OneDrive icon in the menu bar to open OneDrive.
- Once “Preferences” is selected, select the “Account” tab.
- Select “Unlink OneDrive” and then click “Confirm.”
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Considerations and Final Thoughts:
- Re-enabling OneDrive: To re-activate OneDrive, log in using your Microsoft account and adjust the settings as necessary.
- Make a Data Backup: Make sure you have a backup of any crucial files saved on OneDrive before shutting it off, particularly if you intend to unlink the account.
- Users can adjust their storage options according to their needs by reversibly turning off OneDrive. You can disable OneDrive temporarily or permanently by following these steps, whether it’s for personal taste or to save system resources.
Keep in mind that depending on updates and versions, the instructions may differ significantly. Before making any big changes to your storage settings, always be sure you have a backup of your crucial information.
