A Microsoft file hosting and synchronization service.
To remove those other folders, secure access to files, and stop using OneDrive:
- Unlink OneDrive from the computer (stops sync and breaks the connection)
Windows 10/11:- Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area (system tray).
- Select the OneDrive Help and Settings icon, then select Settings.
- Go to the Account tab.
- Select Unlink this PC, then select Unlink account.
- Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the menu bar.
- Click Help & Settings > Preferences.
- Go to the Account tab.
- Select Unlink this Mac.
- Remove synchronization so those folders no longer appear in File Explorer
If only specific folders should stop syncing (for example, folders that belong to someone else that are currently synced):- Use OneDrive Sync settings to un-sync folders, or fully unlink the account as above.
- When folders are un-synced, they are removed from File Explorer but remain in the cloud; access is still possible via the browser if the account still has permission.
- Make personal files accessible locally (outside OneDrive)
After unlinking:- Move or copy any needed files from the local OneDrive folder to a non‑OneDrive folder (for example,
C:\Users\\Documents). - These copies are then purely local and no longer tied to OneDrive sync.
- Move or copy any needed files from the local OneDrive folder to a non‑OneDrive folder (for example,
- Stop or change sharing on any items owned
If any of the shared folders are owned and should no longer be shared:- In OneDrive on the web, select the file or folder.
- Select Information (Details pane).
- Under Has Access, select Manage access.
- To stop sharing entirely, select Stop sharing; or remove specific links/people by using the X next to links or names.
- Optionally hide or remove OneDrive from Windows
To effectively “drop OneDrive” on Windows 10/11:- Unlink OneDrive as above.
- To hide it from File Explorer: open File Explorer, right‑click OneDrive, select Properties, and on the General tab check Hidden.
- In the notification area, select the OneDrive icon again and choose Quit OneDrive to remove the icon and stop the process.
These steps disconnect the computer from OneDrive, remove synced folders (including those belonging to someone else) from File Explorer, and allow keeping personal files locally outside of OneDrive.
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