# How To Disable OneDrive Without Losing Your Files In this article - [How to Stop OneDrive From Syncing Your Files](#how-to-stop-onedrive-from-syncing-your-files) - [How to Unlink OneDrive From Your PC](#how-to-unlink-onedrive-from-your-pc) - [How to Remove OneDrive From Windows](#how-to-remove-onedrive-from-windows) - [The Best Alternative to OneDrive For Your Files](#the-best-alternative-to-onedrive-for-your-files) In this article- [How to Stop OneDrive From Syncing Your Files](#how-to-stop-onedrive-from-syncing-your-files) - [How to Unlink OneDrive From Your PC](#how-to-unlink-onedrive-from-your-pc) - [How to Remove OneDrive From Windows](#how-to-remove-onedrive-from-windows) - [The Best Alternative to OneDrive For Your Files](#the-best-alternative-to-onedrive-for-your-files) [Blog](/blog/)/How To Disable OneDrive Without Losing Your Files Cloud Storage # How to Disable OneDrive and Stop It From Syncing Your Files October 2, 20264 min read If you're looking for how to disable OneDrive, this guide is perhaps the most direct and simple of them all. You have a bunch of options, from pausing sync and unlinking your device to completely deleting OneDrive. These options have different effects, but none of them automatically deletes your OneDrive account or files stored in the cloud. For a brief break, you can also opt for the selective folder backup option. Your files remain accessible through OneDrive on the web after unlinking or uninstalling the app. Nonetheless, if your concern is with [OneDrive's privacy problems](/blog/onedrive-vs-google-drive/) or file scanning, it is better to switch to a [secure alternative to OneDrive](/alternatives/onedrive/) altogether. ## How to Stop OneDrive From Syncing Your Files If you're in two minds whether to disable OneDrive or not, you can begin by stopping automatic sync and backup. You can do this by: - Opening the OneDrive settings menu - Go to 'Sync and backup' from the drop down list - Select 'Pause syncing' You can also explore other options like pausing sync when the battery saver mode is on or when your device is on a metered network. Additionally, you can also stop OneDrive from backing up your folders. You can do this under the 'Sync and backup' option by selecting 'Manage backup' and excluding specific folders. ## How to Unlink OneDrive From Your PC If you're wondering how to disable OneDrive from your computer without deleting your OneDrive account or uninstalling the app, you can unlink the PC. This keeps all your files, photos, videos, documents among others in the cloud, without deleting anything. Before you take such a step, make sure all your important files have finished syncing. Make a note of which files are available offline and which files are available online. If any important files can only be accessed using an internet connection, you should download them immediately. To unlink OneDrive from your PC, simply: - Open the Microsoft OneDrive settings - Tap on the 'Account' option in the drop down menu - Select 'Unlink this PC' and confirm the action ## How to Remove OneDrive From Windows You can disable OneDrive in Windows 11 and Windows 10 without any hassle or losing any of your data. Removing the OneDrive application would naturally stop the sync process but it does not delete your OneDrive account or the files stored in the cloud. You can remove OneDrive in Windows 11 just like any other app through the installed apps section: - Select installed apps and find Microsoft OneDrive in the list - Click the three-dot menu next to OneDrive and select uninstall - Confirm the action which will remove OneDrive from Windows In terms of disabling Microsoft OneDrive Windows 10, you can follow the same process. Even after deleting the application on your system, you can always access OneDrive through the web. Your files are safe as long as you have backed them up in the cloud. ## The Best Alternative to OneDrive For Your Files There may be many reasons as to why you want to learn how to disable OneDrive from your PC. Some of the major and most common concerns revolve around the lack of file privacy, AI content scanning and lack of true end-to-end encryption in OneDrive. In contrast to this, DragBin offers [client side, end-to-end encryption](/end-to-end-encryption/) and offers a [zero knowledge security architecture](/zero-knowledge-encryption/). OneDrive has AI privacy problems and can scan your content using automated systems. DragBin can never see your files, folders, passwords, metadata or filenames - not even the employees can view them. On top of end-to-end encryption, you also get [post quantum encryption](/post-quantum-encryption/) to protect your files from active "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" attacks. Some of the core features in DragBin's [free cloud storage plan](/free-cloud-storage/) includes: - Unlimited sharing, unlimited bandwidth and unlimited file size upload within the plan - Advanced link management and [secure folder sharing](/blog/folder-sharing/) - Integrated global CDN for lightning fast downloads and uploads Creative professionals and enterprises can try [DragBin for Creators](/creators/) or [DragBin for Business](/business/), bringing all the tools in one consolidated workflow. Store, share and manage your files securely with DragBin without trading your privacy. Get the best alternative to OneDrive and have complete control over your data. [Switch to DragBin](https://app.dragbin.com/signup) Share this article Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare via EmailCopy link secure by design ## Experience end-to-end encryption with DragBin Protect your sensitive files with zero-knowledge, post-quantum encryption. Try DragBin and truly own your data. [Start free](https://app.dragbin.com/signup) Newsletter ## Stay updated on security trends The latest privacy and security insights, delivered to your inbox. Subscribe Keep reading ## Related articles [August 21, 2026-8 min read ### OneDrive vs Google Drive: Both Have AI Privacy Problems OneDrive vs Google Drive privacy explained. See how Gemini and Copilot access your files, how they use AI, and which cloud storage offers stronger privacy. Read article](/blog/onedrive-vs-google-drive/)[September 14, 2026-7 min read ### Dropbox vs OneDrive: Which is More Secure? Dropbox vs OneDrive : compare encryption, privacy and security features to discover which cloud storage service offers better protection for your files. Read article](/blog/dropbox-vs-onedrive/)[July 7, 2026-12 min read ### 11 Best Encrypted Cloud Storage Solutions in 2026 Discover the best encrypted cloud storage services in 2026. Compare 11 secure providers based on encryption, storage and features to find the right solution. Read article](/blog/best-encrypted-cloud-storage/) --- Canonical: https://www.dragbin.com/blog/how-to-disable-onedrive