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How to Remove OneDrive and Restore Files to Your Local PC
Question details
The user wants to stop OneDrive synchronization and safely move all files and photos back to local PC storage after canceling a Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Canceling a Microsoft 365 subscription and migrating files from OneDrive cloud storage back to local hard drive storage.
- Observed behavior
- Local folders show red X icons or appear empty, while files remain trapped in OneDrive cloud storage.
Do not delete any files from your local OneDrive folder while synchronization is still active, as this will also delete them permanently from the cloud servers.
Download Cloud Files and Unlink OneDrive from Your PC
Safely download your files to local storage before severing the connection between your PC and OneDrive.
To properly remove OneDrive without losing your data, you must first ensure all cloud-only files are downloaded locally. Once the files are secure, unlinking the account stops future synchronization and prevents accidental cloud deletions.
Open your OneDrive folder in File Explorer. Right-click the files or folders you want to keep and select 'Always keep on this device' to ensure they are fully downloaded to your hard drive.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray on the taskbar, click the gear icon, and select 'Settings'.
Navigate to the 'Account' tab and click on 'Unlink this PC'. Confirm the prompt to immediately stop synchronization.
Go to the now-unlinked OneDrive folder (usually located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\OneDrive) and manually copy or move your files to your standard local Desktop, Documents, or Pictures folders.
If you no longer wish to use the service at all, go to Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps, search for Microsoft OneDrive, and click 'Uninstall'.
Switch to WPS Office for Local File Management
After canceling Microsoft 365 and restoring your files locally, you need a reliable, lightweight office suite to open and edit them. WPS Office provides full compatibility with Microsoft formats without forcing background cloud synchronization.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your PC.
- 2. Open Local Files: Launch WPS Office and navigate to the local folders where you restored your previous cloud files.
- 3. Save and Edit Offline: Edit your documents and save them directly to your hard drive without worrying about forced cloud sync limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my local folders show a red X icon?
A red X icon typically indicates a synchronization error with OneDrive. This is often caused by running out of cloud storage space or having a disconnected account after canceling Microsoft 365.
Will unlinking OneDrive automatically delete my files?
No, unlinking your PC from OneDrive simply severs the connection and stops synchronization. Your files will remain intact in your local OneDrive folder and in the cloud, allowing you to move them manually to a new location.
How can I stop OneDrive from automatically saving to the cloud?
You must stop the automatic folder backup in OneDrive settings before unlinking, or simply unlink the PC entirely. Using offline-first applications like WPS Office can also help keep your file saves strictly local.
Can I recover files if I accidentally deleted them from the OneDrive folder before unlinking?
Yes, log in to OneDrive.com via a web browser and check the online OneDrive Recycle Bin. You can typically restore deleted files from there within a 30-day window.
