How to completely uninstall OneDrive

If you’re experiencing issues with OneDrive and a standard re-installation hasn’t resolved the problem, you may need to completely uninstall OneDrive and remove any residual files or settings. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Uninstall OneDrive via Settings

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Installed Apps (or Apps & Features).
  3. Scroll down and find Microsoft OneDrive.
  4. Click the three dots (…) next to OneDrive and select Uninstall.
  5. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.

Step 2: Unlink OneDrive from this PC

·  If the OneDrive icon still appears in the system tray, open it.

·  Click on Settings.

·  Navigate to the Account tab and select Unlink this PC.

·  If OneDrive still appears after completing these steps, restart your computer and check again.

Step 3: Delete Residual OneDrive Files and Folders

  1. Press Windows + R, type %localappdata%, and press Enter.
  2. Locate and delete the Microsoft folder (or just the OneDrive folder inside it).
  3. Go back to the %localappdata% folder, then navigate to the Temp folder and delete any OneDrive-related files.
  4. Press Windows + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
  5. Delete the Microsoft folder (or just the OneDrive folder inside it).

Step 4: Remove OneDrive from the Registry (Advanced)

Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Proceed with caution and back up your registry before making changes.

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following keys and delete any OneDrive-related entries:
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run (look for a OneDrive entry).
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run (look for a OneDrive entry).
    • HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID (search for “OneDrive” and delete related keys).
  3. Close the Registry Editor.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

After completing the steps above, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.

Step 6: Reinstall OneDrive (Optional)

If you want to reinstall OneDrive after a clean removal:

  1. Download the latest version of OneDrive from the official Microsoft website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/download.
  2. Install it and set it up again.

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