OneDrive File Issues

How to Move Files Out of OneDrive and Safely Uninstall It

Partner Editor Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to stop OneDrive from syncing specific files, move folders back to the local C drive, and potentially uninstall OneDrive safely without experiencing data loss.

How to Move Files Out of OneDrive and Uninstall Safely

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to keep working files strictly on the local hard drive instead of the cloud, and looking to unlink or remove the OneDrive application securely.
Observed behavior: OneDrive has automatically moved local files and application folders (such as Quicken) into the OneDrive synchronization folder.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection so OneDrive can finish any pending synchronizations, and temporarily close any applications that might be actively using the files you plan to move.

Solution 1Recommended

Stop Folder Backup and Restore Default Local Paths

This is the safest method to ensure your files are physically downloaded to your PC and restored to their original C drive locations before removing OneDrive.

Before uninstalling OneDrive, you must explicitly tell it to stop backing up your important folders. If you skip this step and just uninstall the app, your files may remain trapped in the cloud, making them difficult to access locally.

Stop OneDrive Backup

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar, select the Gear icon, and click 'Settings'. Navigate to the 'Sync and Backup' tab and click 'Manage Backup'. Toggle off the switches for the folders you want to keep on your computer and confirm.

Download Files Locally

Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder. Select the files and folders you want to keep, right-click them, and select 'Always keep on this device'. Wait for the icons to turn into solid green circles with a checkmark.

Restore Folder Location

Right-click the affected folder (e.g., Documents or your Quicken folder) and select 'Properties'. Go to the 'Location' tab, click 'Restore Default', and click 'Apply' to move the folder back to your local C drive.

Unlink and Uninstall OneDrive

Return to OneDrive Settings, go to the 'Account' tab, and click 'Unlink this PC'. Once unlinked, open Windows Settings, navigate to 'Apps' > 'Installed apps', find Microsoft OneDrive, and click 'Uninstall'.

Stop Folder Backup and Restore Default Local Paths

Verify File Access: Before proceeding with the final uninstallation step, open your local C drive and double-check that you can open your files and folders normally without an internet connection.

Solution 2

Selectively Sync Specific Folders

Use this method if you want to keep OneDrive installed for certain cloud files but want to exclude specific local folders from being synchronized.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Your Local Files Without Relying on Microsoft Cloud

If you are moving away from the Microsoft Office and OneDrive ecosystem to maintain control over your local files, WPS Office provides a lightweight, fully compatible alternative. It allows you to work entirely on your local C drive without forcing automatic cloud synchronization.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download the free WPS Office installer from the official website and run it to install the suite on your computer.
2. Open Local Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files stored securely on your local C drive.
3. Save Files Locally: When editing is complete, save your files directly to your preferred local folders without any forced cloud syncing.

Work entirely locally without forced cloud backupsFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Lightweight installation that doesn't slow down your PCFamiliar user interface for seamless migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my files if I just uninstall OneDrive right away?

If you uninstall OneDrive without stopping the backup and moving your files out of the OneDrive folder first, your files will remain in the cloud and you may lose local access to them. Always restore them to your local drive before uninstalling.

Why did OneDrive move my files to begin with?

During Windows setup or OneDrive installation, the 'PC Folder Backup' feature is often enabled by default. This automatically redirects your standard Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders into the OneDrive cloud folder.

How do I access my files if I already uninstalled OneDrive?

You can easily retrieve them by logging into OneDrive.com using a web browser, selecting your files, and downloading them directly to your PC. Alternatively, you can reinstall the OneDrive app temporarily to sync them back.

Can I keep OneDrive installed but stop it from running at startup?

Yes. Right-click your Windows taskbar and open Task Manager. Go to the 'Startup apps' tab, locate Microsoft OneDrive in the list, right-click it, and select 'Disable'.

Document & File Issues