Since the launch of Windows 10, Microsoft has chosen to install OneDrive on all of its versions of the operating system. The application is not necessarily activated as a base, but it is present by default in the OS, no matter what. But maybe you don't have any use for it? Here's how to turn it off, or even remove it altogether, if it's really bothering you.
OneDrive, cloud storage and sync application, is present in every edition of Windows 10. The service can host all kinds of files on Microsoft's servers. Only you have access to them, unless you share them with your contacts. You can retrieve them at any time, from any device, as long as the OneDrive app has been developed there.
The big advantage lies in the fact that all the data that you save in the different directories of your hard drive, and which are dedicated to OneDrive, are instantly synchronized with your Cloud, so that you have a connection. And since Microsoft offers all of its users 5 GB of free cloud space, it is rather practical.
Why do you want to delete OneDrive?
However, several reasons can push you to deactivate the Windows 10 application. First, you find no use there. You might already have your own online storage solution like Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. In this case, it is sure that OneDrive acts as a duplicate. Second scenario: you fear for the security of your data and do not want to hear about any Cloud service, even if Microsoft claims not to analyze anything and secures all your files using a safe. It is understandable then to want to completely free yourself from the Microsoft application and not to keep any trace of it on the PC. The last reason, which may lead you to deactivate OneDrive, may be related to your configuration. The application runs in the background and constantly syncs to the Cloud with the slightest change you make to your files locally. OneDrive can therefore ruin the performance of a small machine, we have already experienced this.
Read also: Windows 7, how to migrate to Windows 10 for free before it's too late
How to prevent OneDrive from starting every time Windows 10 is launched?
This option is quite simple. If it does not erase the application in any way, it has the merit of putting it on hold. Useful if you don't have a lot of time to devote to the operation. Therefore, the launch of OneDrive will be manual, which can also be a good alternative for those who want to use the application "on demand".
To do this, click on the menu Start and go to the module Parameters. Then click on Applications and select the function Start-up. Scroll down the list of apps to find Microsoft OneDrive. Set it to deactivate and voila.
How to remove OneDrive from Windows 10?
Again, it's quite simple: go to the menu StartAnd click Parameters. Finally head on Applications and features. Scroll through the list of applications installed on your PC, and at the Microsoft OneDrive function, click on uninstall. Note that, for modulus refractories Parameters Windows 10, it is also possible to go through the Control Panel via the option Programs > Uninstall a program.
OneDrive is now uninstalled from the system. However, you still have access to the backup directory from Windows Explorer.
If the uninstall doesn't work (we had the case on one of our test PCs), you can always force it through a series of command lines. Click with the button on the Windows button on the taskbar, then go to Windows PowerShell (admin) or Command prompt (admin), depending on which edition of Windows 10 you own. In the window that opens, enter the following command lines:
- taskkill / f / im OneDrive.exe
- %SystemRoot%SysWOW64OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall
(en 32 bits) - %SystemRoot%System32OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall
(en 64 bits)
How to reinstall OneDrive in Windows 10?
If you want to put OneDrive back in place, there are two solutions available to you. You can reinstall it directly from the Microsoft Store. This is the easiest and fastest option.
But you can also call on command lines, by proceeding as previously (right click on the Start menu, then launch the Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt options, all in admin mode):
- %SystemRoot%System32OneDriveSetup.exe
(en 32 bits) - %SystemRoot%SysWOW64OneDriveSetup.exe
(en 64 bits)
