OneDrive stops syncing files when you disable it, but the process differs depending on whether you want to pause it temporarily or remove it completely

Disabling OneDrive means stopping it from running in the background and syncing your files to Microsoft's servers. You might do this to free up storage space, reduce internet bandwidth use, or simply because you prefer a different cloud storage service. The steps vary depending on your operating system and whether you want to keep the OneDrive app installed or uninstall it entirely.

This guide covers Windows and Mac. If you use OneDrive through a work or school account, some of these options may be restricted by your organization's settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Pausing OneDrive temporarily stops syncing without removing the app, and you can restart it anytime from Settings.
  • On Windows, you can disable OneDrive from the system tray or turn it off completely in Settings.
  • On Mac, you disable OneDrive through System Settings and can choose to keep or delete your local files.
  • Uninstalling OneDrive removes the app entirely, but you can reinstall it later if you change your mind.
  • Files stored only in OneDrive cloud storage will not be accessible on your computer once you disable syncing.

Pause OneDrive temporarily on Windows

Pausing OneDrive is the quickest way to stop it from syncing without making permanent changes. Look for the OneDrive icon in your system tray — the small icons on the far right of your taskbar, next to the clock. Right-click the OneDrive icon and select Pause syncing. A menu will appear asking how long you want to pause: 2 hours, 8 hours, or until you restart your computer.

When the pause period ends, OneDrive will resume syncing automatically. If you want to restart it sooner, right-click the OneDrive icon again and select Resume syncing. This method keeps OneDrive installed and ready to use — you are just stopping it from running right now.

Turn off OneDrive in Windows Settings

To disable OneDrive more permanently on Windows, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Click System in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Storage. Look for a section called Cloud content or OneDrive (the exact name varies by Windows version). Toggle the switch to the off position.

This stops OneDrive from syncing and removes it from your startup programs, so it will not run automatically when you restart your computer. The OneDrive app remains installed on your computer, and you can turn it back on using the same Settings menu whenever you want.

If you do not see OneDrive in Settings, it may already be disabled, or your version of Windows may handle it differently. In that case, move to the next section on uninstalling.

Uninstall OneDrive on Windows

If you want to remove OneDrive completely from your computer, you can uninstall it. Press the Windows key and type "Add or remove programs," then press Enter. Scroll down to find Microsoft OneDrive in the list. Click it once to select it, then click Uninstall. A confirmation window will appear — click Uninstall again to confirm.

Windows will remove the OneDrive app from your computer. Any files you had synced to OneDrive remain in your Microsoft account online, but they will no longer appear in a folder on your computer. You can reinstall OneDrive later by downloading it from the Microsoft Store if you change your mind.

Before uninstalling, check whether any files you need are stored only in OneDrive and not saved elsewhere on your computer. If you are unsure, sign into your OneDrive account online at onedrive.live.com to see what files are there.

Disable OneDrive on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top left corner and selecting System Settings. Click General in the sidebar, then click Login Items. Look for Microsoft OneDrive in the list under "Allow in the Login Items" or "Open at Login." Click the minus sign next to OneDrive to remove it from startup.

This stops OneDrive from launching automatically when you restart your Mac. If OneDrive is currently running, you can quit it by clicking the OneDrive icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen and selecting Quit OneDrive. The app remains installed on your Mac, and you can launch it again anytime by opening Applications and double-clicking Microsoft OneDrive.

If you want to uninstall OneDrive completely on Mac, open the Finder, click Applications in the sidebar, find Microsoft OneDrive, right-click it, and select Move to Trash. Empty your Trash to complete the removal.

What happens to your files when you disable OneDrive

When you disable OneDrive, files stored in your OneDrive folder on your computer remain there — they do not disappear. However, if you have files stored only in your OneDrive cloud account and not downloaded to your computer, you will not be able to access them from your computer anymore. You can still access them by signing into your OneDrive account online at onedrive.live.com from any web browser.

If you are concerned about losing access to files, download or copy any important OneDrive files to another location on your computer or to an external drive before you disable OneDrive. This ensures you have a backup copy that does not depend on OneDrive being active.

Re-enable OneDrive if you change your mind

If you paused OneDrive, simply right-click the OneDrive icon in your system tray and select Resume syncing. If you disabled it in Settings, go back to Settings, find the OneDrive toggle, and turn it back on. If you uninstalled OneDrive on Windows, download it again from the Microsoft Store. On Mac, you can reinstall it by downloading from Microsoft's website or the App Store.

When you re-enable OneDrive, it will sync your files again. This may take some time depending on how many files you have and your internet speed. During syncing, you may see a progress indicator in the OneDrive icon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling OneDrive delete my files?

No. Files in your OneDrive folder on your computer stay there. Files stored only in your OneDrive cloud account remain online and accessible through onedrive.live.com, but you cannot access them from your computer until you re-enable OneDrive.

Can I use a different cloud storage service instead of OneDrive?

Yes. You can disable OneDrive and use Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, or another service instead. Each service has its own app and folder structure. You can have multiple cloud storage services running at the same time if you want.

What if OneDrive is controlled by my work or school?

Your organization may have locked certain OneDrive settings to prevent you from disabling it. If you cannot find the disable option in Settings, or if the toggle is grayed out, contact your IT department or help desk. They can tell you what you are allowed to change.

Does pausing OneDrive use less internet?

Yes. When OneDrive is paused, it stops uploading and downloading files, which reduces your internet bandwidth use. This is useful if you are on a limited data plan or experiencing slow internet.

Can I disable OneDrive just for one folder?

Not directly through disabling. However, you can stop syncing individual folders by right-clicking the OneDrive icon, selecting Settings, going to the Account tab, and clicking Choose folders. Uncheck the folders you do not want to sync. OneDrive will remain active but will only sync the folders you selected.