OneDrive File Issues

How to Stop OneDrive Sync and Keep Files on Local Hard Drive

Rana Garcia Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to stop OneDrive from synchronizing and remove it from File Explorer while ensuring all files remain saved locally on their computer's hard drive.

How to Stop OneDrive Sync and Keep Files Only on Your Local Hard Drive

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Disabling cloud sync to rely solely on local storage and unlinking the device without losing access to downloaded files.
Observed behavior: The user needs a safe step-by-step method to download all cloud files locally, disable folder backup, unlink the Microsoft account, and optionally uninstall the OneDrive application.

Before you start

Before proceeding, verify that your local hard drive has enough free storage space to accommodate all the files currently stored in your OneDrive cloud account.

Solution 1Recommended

Download Files, Unlink Account, and Disable OneDrive

This method ensures all your files are fully downloaded to your local drive before disconnecting and removing OneDrive from your system.

To safely transition away from OneDrive, you must force the application to download all cloud-only files to your local storage first. Skipping this step will result in losing access to files that are only saved in the cloud.

Download all files locally

Open OneDrive Settings by right-clicking the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar. Navigate to Sync and Backup > Advanced settings, and click 'Download all files'. Wait for the synchronization process to finish completely.

Turn off folder backup

In the OneDrive Settings menu, go to the 'Sync and Backup' tab and click on 'Manage backup'. Toggle off the backup for all listed folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures) to stop automatic syncing.

Unlink this PC

Navigate to the 'Account' tab within OneDrive Settings and click the 'Unlink this PC' link. Confirm your choice to sign out of your Microsoft account on this device.

Disable or uninstall OneDrive

To prevent OneDrive from starting automatically, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to 'Startup apps', right-click OneDrive, and select 'Disable'. Alternatively, you can completely remove it by navigating to Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps, and uninstalling Microsoft OneDrive.

Download Files, Unlink Account, and Disable OneDrive

Verification: Do not delete the OneDrive folder in File Explorer until you have thoroughly verified that your local files are fully accessible offline and your independent backups are complete.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Local Files Offline with WPS Office

If you prefer keeping your documents exclusively on your local hard drive without forced cloud synchronization, WPS Office is an excellent choice. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, giving you full control over where and how your files are saved.

1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office installer from the official website and install it on your local computer.
2. Set as Default Application: Choose WPS Office as your default program to open .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files directly from your hard drive.
3. Work Offline Seamlessly: Open your locally saved documents and edit them with full functionality without relying on an active internet connection.

100% compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsSave, edit, and manage files locally without mandatory cloud syncLightweight application that doesn't slow down your PC performanceFamiliar user interface for a seamless migration from Microsoft Office

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my files if I just uninstall OneDrive directly?

If you uninstall OneDrive without selecting 'Download all files' first, any files marked as 'Online-only' will no longer be accessible on your local hard drive. You must download them fully before unlinking or uninstalling.

Will unlinking my PC delete my files from the OneDrive cloud?

No, unlinking your PC only severs the connection between your computer and the cloud. Your files remain safely stored in your Microsoft OneDrive account and can still be accessed via a web browser.

How do I know if my files are actually saved locally on my hard drive?

Open File Explorer and look at the status icons next to your files. A solid green circle with a white checkmark indicates that the file is permanently downloaded and available offline on your local drive.

Can I move my OneDrive folder to another drive before unlinking?

Yes, you can change the location of your OneDrive folder to another drive with more space. You must unlink your PC first, move the folder via File Explorer, sign back in, and select the new folder location during setup.

Document & File Issues