How to Remove OneDrive Folder from File Explorer

When utilizing OneDrive to store and coordinate your files, you would likely have experienced the automatic inclusion of a OneDrive folder in File Explorer. However, this may not be the best thing for everyone. If you want your File Explorer clean or you already choose to go with another cloud storage provider, then follow this manual on how to delete the OneDrive folder from File Explorer.

Read: How To Create Direct Download Link For OneDrive in Windows 11

Understanding OneDrive Integration

It is important that we appreciate the integration of OneDrive with File Explorer before discussing how to get rid of onedrive. Microsoft’s cloud storage service is known as OneDrive and importantly, it fits naturally into your Windows operating system. This means that you can access files in your OneDrive directly from File Explorer making it easy for you to control or synchronize your information.

Why Remove OneDrive from File Explorer?

While the integration of OneDrive with File Explorer can be useful, some users may have reasons to remove it:

1. Personal Preference: Some users prefer not to have additional folders in their File Explorer and would rather access OneDrive through the web interface or dedicated apps.
2. Alternative Cloud Services: You might have decided to switch to another cloud storage service, and you no longer need OneDrive in your File Explorer.
3. Storage Space Concerns: If your computer’s storage space is limited, you may want to reclaim the space that the OneDrive folder occupies.

Removing OneDrive from File Explorer

Step 1: Pause OneDrive Sync

Before you can remove the OneDrive folder, you need to pause the OneDrive sync to prevent any potential conflicts.

1. Open the OneDrive application by clicking on the cloud icon in the system tray.
2. Click on the three dots (…) in the upper-right corner and select “Settings.”
3. In the Settings tab, go to the “Account” tab, and click on “Pause sync.”

Step 2: Unlink OneDrive

To remove the OneDrive folder, you’ll need to unlink your OneDrive account from your computer.

1. Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray and select “Settings.”
2. Go to the “Account” tab and click “Unlink this PC.”

Step 3: Remove the OneDrive Folder

Now that your OneDrive account is unlinked, you can proceed to remove the OneDrive folder from File Explorer.

1. Open the File Explorer.
2. In the left-hand navigation pane, right-click on “OneDrive” and select “Properties.”
3. In the Properties window, go to the “General” tab and uncheck the box that says, “Show all folders.”
4. Click “Apply” and then “OK.”

Step 4: Delete OneDrive Files (Optional)

If you want to completely remove all OneDrive files from your computer, you can do so by deleting the files in the OneDrive folder. Be cautious, as this action is irreversible.

Conclusion

Removing the OneDrive folder from File Explorer is an easy process which also allows you to have more say on how your files are managed. Whether it is just a matter of choice or simply changing from one cloud storage platform to another, this guide will help you sort out your File Explorer.