OneDrive File Issues

How to Remove OneDrive Files but Keep Local Copies on Your PC

Adam Davis Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to stop syncing files with OneDrive, save all cloud files to their local hard drive, and delete the cloud copies without risking data loss.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows PC
Scenario: Transitioning away from cloud storage to purely local file storage.
Observed behavior: Files are currently synced between the local PC and OneDrive cloud storage, and the user wants to sever this link safely to maintain only local files.

Before you start

Ensure you have enough local hard drive space to store all the files currently kept in the OneDrive cloud, and make sure any 'Files On-Demand' are fully downloaded to your PC before moving them.

Solution 1Recommended

Safely Move Files and Unlink OneDrive from Your PC

This is the safest method to ensure you have local copies of your data before disconnecting and cleaning up the cloud storage.

By copying your files to a completely separate folder outside of the OneDrive directory, you protect them from being deleted when you clear your cloud storage. Unlinking your PC then severs the connection.

Copy files to a local folder

Open File Explorer, navigate to your OneDrive folder, and copy all important files. Paste them into a non-syncing local folder, such as a new folder directly on your C: drive or Desktop.

Verify local access

Open several of the newly copied files from your new local folder to ensure they open correctly and are fully downloaded, not just cloud shortcuts.

Unlink your PC

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Windows taskbar, go to Settings (the gear icon), select the 'Account' tab, and click 'Unlink this PC'.

Delete cloud copies

Open your web browser, sign in to the OneDrive website, and delete the files you no longer want in the cloud. After deleting, be sure to empty the OneDrive Recycle Bin.

Uninstall OneDrive (Optional)

To completely remove the software, go to Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Microsoft OneDrive in the list, and click 'Uninstall'.

Safely Move Files and Unlink OneDrive from Your PC

Verification Complete: Once your PC is unlinked, deleting files from the OneDrive website will no longer affect the files saved on your physical hard drive.

Solution 2

Stop OneDrive Syncing on Mobile Devices

Use this step if you also have the OneDrive app on your smartphone and want to stop camera uploads and mobile backups.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Local Documents Easily with WPS Office

Now that your files are securely stored on your PC, you need a reliable offline suite to view and edit them. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that offers seamless document editing without forcing unwanted cloud synchronization.

100% compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Work entirely offline with your locally stored documents.Lightweight installation saves significant PC storage space.Familiar user interface makes transitioning away from Microsoft Office seamless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to files deleted from the OneDrive website?

Files deleted from the OneDrive website are moved to the online Recycle Bin, where they stay for 30 days before being permanently deleted. As long as you have unlinked your PC, deleting these files online will not affect your local copies.

Will uninstalling OneDrive from my PC delete my local files?

No. Uninstalling the OneDrive application from Windows Settings only removes the synchronization software. It leaves the actual files located in your local OneDrive folder completely intact.

Why do some files in my OneDrive folder show a cloud icon?

A cloud icon means the file is using 'Files On-Demand' and is stored only online to save space. You must double-click these files to download them to your local PC before moving them out of the OneDrive folder.

Can I keep using OneDrive for some files but not others?

Yes. Instead of completely unlinking your PC, you can open OneDrive Settings, go to the 'Account' tab, and click 'Choose folders'. This allows you to specify exactly which folders sync to your PC and which remain only in the cloud.

Document & File Issues