OneDrive File Issues

How to Remove OneDrive from One PC Without Affecting Outlook

Rana Garcia Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to disconnect and remove OneDrive from a specific computer without causing any disruption or data loss to their Outlook email or Microsoft account.

How to Remove OneDrive from One PC Without Affecting Outlook Email

Product: Microsoft OneDrive / Outlook
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Managing cloud storage sync and safely disconnecting a single device from OneDrive.
Observed behavior: OneDrive needs to be unlinked to stop file synchronization on a local PC while ensuring Outlook communications and accounts remain intact.

Before you start

Ensure that any locally modified files in your OneDrive folder have finished syncing to the cloud before you unlink your account to prevent data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Unlink OneDrive and Clear Local Settings

This is the safest and most direct method to stop OneDrive from syncing to your PC while keeping your Microsoft account and Outlook emails active.

Unlinking your PC from OneDrive severs the connection between your local computer and the cloud storage. This stops all synchronization, allowing you to safely delete the local files without affecting your online backups or your connected Outlook email account.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area (system tray), click the Help & Settings gear icon, and then select 'Settings'.

Unlink the PC

Navigate to the 'Account' tab and click the 'Unlink this PC' option. Confirm your choice when prompted.

Open the Run Dialog

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

Navigate to OneDrive AppData

Type '%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\settings' into the Run box and press Enter or click OK.

Delete Configuration File

Locate the 'PreSignInSettingsConfig.json' file in the folder that opens. Right-click it and select 'Delete' to completely clear the local sign-in configuration.

Unlink OneDrive and Clear Local Settings

Outlook is Safe: Unlinking OneDrive only stops file synchronization. Your Outlook emails, contacts, and calendar events operate independently and remain completely secure and accessible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will unlinking OneDrive delete my files stored in the cloud?

No, unlinking your PC simply stops the local synchronization process. All your files remain safely stored in the OneDrive cloud and can still be accessed via a web browser or from other linked devices.

Can I still use the Outlook desktop app if OneDrive is removed?

Yes, the Outlook desktop application operates entirely independently of the OneDrive sync client. Sending, receiving, and organizing emails will continue to work normally.

How do I remove the OneDrive folder from File Explorer after unlinking?

Once unlinked, the OneDrive folder becomes a standard local folder. You can safely delete it or its contents from File Explorer to free up local disk space without affecting your cloud storage.

Do I need to sign out of my Microsoft account on Windows to stop OneDrive?

No, you only need to unlink the PC directly within the OneDrive application settings. Your Windows user profile and Microsoft account login will remain unchanged.

Document & File Issues