Unsyncing OneDrive means stopping it from automatically uploading and downloading files to your computer

When you unsync OneDrive, your files stay in your Microsoft account online, but they stop syncing to your PC's hard drive. This frees up storage space on your computer and stops OneDrive from running in the background. You can unsync OneDrive entirely, or you can unsync just specific folders while keeping others synced.

The process takes about two minutes and does not delete your files — they remain safe in your online account. You can resync OneDrive later if you change your mind.

Key Takeaways

  • Unsyncing OneDrive stops it from uploading and downloading files to your PC, but your files stay in your online account.
  • You can unsync all of OneDrive or just specific folders, depending on how much storage space you want to free up.
  • The quickest method is to right-click the OneDrive icon in your system tray and select the unsync option from the menu.
  • If you unsync all of OneDrive, you can still view your files online through OneDrive.com in any web browser.
  • Unsyncing does not delete your files from your PC or your online account — it only stops the automatic syncing process.

Unsync All of OneDrive at Once

The fastest way to stop OneDrive from syncing is to disconnect it entirely from your PC. Look for the OneDrive icon in your system tray — this is the small area at the bottom right of your screen, next to the clock. The icon looks like a white cloud.

Right-click the OneDrive icon and select Settings from the menu. A window will open. Click the Account tab at the top, then click the button that says Unlink this PC. OneDrive will ask you to confirm. Click Unlink again. Your PC is now unsynced, and OneDrive will stop running in the background.

Your OneDrive files remain in your online account and are not deleted from your PC — they straightforward stay as they are on your hard drive and stop updating.

Unsync Specific Folders While Keeping Others

If you want to keep some folders syncing but stop others, you do not need to unsync everything. Right-click the OneDrive icon in your system tray and select Settings. Click the Account tab, then click Choose folders.

A window will show you all your OneDrive folders. Uncheck the boxes next to any folders you want to stop syncing. The folders you leave checked will continue to sync. Click OK when you are done. OneDrive will when ready stop syncing the unchecked folders, and those files will be removed from your PC (but they stay in your online account).

This method is useful if you have a large folder you rarely use but want to keep other important folders syncing to your computer.

What Happens to Your Files After Unsyncing

When you unsync OneDrive, your files do not disappear. Files that were already on your PC stay there. Files that exist only in your online account remain in your account and can be viewed through OneDrive.com in any web browser.

If you unsynced specific folders, those files are removed from your PC but stay in your online account. You can read them again later if you need them. Your PC will have more free storage space because OneDrive is no longer keeping copies of your files synced.

Resync OneDrive If You Change Your Mind

If you unsynced OneDrive and want to turn it back on, you can resync it. Open the Microsoft Store on your PC and search for OneDrive. Click Install if it is not already installed, or click Open if it is. Sign in with your Microsoft account.

If you unsynced specific folders instead of all of OneDrive, right-click the OneDrive icon in your system tray, select Settings, click the Account tab, and click Choose folders. Check the boxes next to the folders you want to sync again, then click OK. OneDrive will begin syncing those folders to your PC.

Freeing Up Storage Space Without Unsyncing

If your main goal is to save hard drive space, unsyncing is not your only option. OneDrive has a feature called Files On-Demand that keeps your files in your online account but shows them in File Explorer on your PC. This way, you see all your files without using much storage space — you only read files to your hard drive when you actually open them.

To turn on Files On-Demand, right-click the OneDrive icon in your system tray, select Settings, click the Files On-Demand tab, and check the box next to Use Files On-Demand. Click OK. Your files will now appear in File Explorer with a cloud icon, and they will only take up hard drive space when you use them.

Troubleshooting Unsync Problems

If the OneDrive icon does not appear in your system tray, OneDrive may not be running. Click the Windows Start button, type OneDrive, and click the OneDrive app to launch it. Once it is running, the icon should appear in your system tray.

If you see an error message when trying to unsync, make sure no OneDrive files are currently open or being used by another program. Close any open files and try again. If the problem continues, restart your PC and try the unsync process once more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will unsyncing OneDrive delete my files?

No. Unsyncing stops the automatic syncing process, but your files remain in your online account. Files already on your PC stay there. You can view your online files anytime through OneDrive.com in a web browser.

Can I unsync just one folder instead of all of OneDrive?

Yes. Right-click the OneDrive icon, select Settings, click Account, then click Choose folders. Uncheck the folders you want to stop syncing and click OK. Those folders will be removed from your PC but stay in your online account.

How do I know if OneDrive is still running after I unsync?

After you unsync, the OneDrive icon will no longer appear in your system tray. If you want to check your online files, go to OneDrive.com in your web browser and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Can I resync OneDrive after I unsync it?

Yes. Open the Microsoft Store, search for OneDrive, and click Open or Install. Sign in with your Microsoft account, and OneDrive will start syncing again. If you unsynced specific folders, you can choose which ones to resync through Settings.

What is the difference between unsyncing and uninstalling OneDrive?

Unsyncing stops OneDrive from running and syncing files, but the app stays on your PC. Uninstalling removes the OneDrive app entirely. For most people, unsyncing is enough. Uninstalling is only necessary if you want to remove the app completely.