OneDrive File Issues

How to Remove Another Person's OneDrive Account Without Losing Files

Maira Mehtab Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to safely disconnect a previous owner's or colleague's OneDrive account from a computer while retaining access to the locally synced files.

How to Safely Remove Another Person's OneDrive Account Without Losing Files

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Taking over a computer that is still logged into someone else's OneDrive account and needing to secure specific files before removing the account.
Observed behavior: The user wants to secure and keep important files before safely unlinking the existing OneDrive account from the computer system without causing data loss.

Before you start

Ensure you have sufficient local storage space (such as a local hard drive) or access to a different cloud storage account to hold the files you plan to keep.

Solution 1Recommended

Copy Your Files and Unlink the OneDrive Account

This is the safest method to ensure you retain necessary documents before completely disconnecting the old account from your computer.

Unlinking an account removes its access and stops synchronization on your computer, but it will not delete files that are already stored in the original owner's cloud storage.

Locate the OneDrive Folder

Open File Explorer on your computer and navigate to the current OneDrive folder listed in the left sidebar.

Copy the Necessary Files

Select all the files or folders you need to keep, right-click on your selection, and choose 'Copy' from the context menu.

Paste to a Local Drive

Navigate to a completely separate local folder (such as your Desktop or Documents folder), right-click in the empty space, and select 'Paste'.

Verify the Copied Files

Open a few of the newly pasted files from your local folder to verify that they open correctly and have not been corrupted during the transfer.

Unlink the Account

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray or taskbar. Click the gear icon to open 'Settings', go to the 'Account' tab, and click the 'Unlink this PC' link.

Copy Your Files and Unlink the OneDrive Account

Data Protection Verified: Because you used the 'Copy' function rather than 'Cut', the files remain safely intact in the original owner's cloud account while you retain a local copy.

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Use WPS Office for Seamless Cloud File Management

If you are managing local files and looking for a reliable suite to open your newly backed-up documents, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, complete with its own built-in WPS Cloud.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Set Up Your Cloud: Launch WPS Office and sign in to create your free account, which immediately activates your personal WPS Cloud storage.
3. Open Your Backed-Up Files: Use WPS Office to easily open, edit, and organize the files you just copied from the previous OneDrive account.

Free and lightweight Office suite for managing local and cloud filesFully compatible with Microsoft Office file formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX)Built-in WPS Cloud storage for easy and secure file backupsFamiliar user interface ensures a seamless migration

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will unlinking the OneDrive account delete the files from the cloud?

No, unlinking an account only severs the connection to your local computer. The original files remain safely stored in the cloud and can still be accessed by the account owner via the OneDrive website.

Can I just drag and drop the files instead of copying them?

It is highly recommended to copy the files rather than move them. Moving (or dragging and dropping) files might remove them from the original owner's OneDrive, which could cause data loss for them.

How do I sign in with my own OneDrive account after removing the old one?

Once you have successfully unlinked the previous person's account, the OneDrive setup window will automatically appear. Simply enter your own email address and password to sign in and link your personal account to the PC.

Document & File Issues