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How to Uninstall OneDrive and Cancel Microsoft 365 Basic
Question details
The user wants to safely uninstall the OneDrive desktop application and cancel their Microsoft 365 Basic subscription while ensuring important files are not lost.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 / OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Downgrading cloud storage and removing the local file synchronization client.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs a step-by-step method to download files locally, unlink the PC, remove the OneDrive software, and manage the subscription online.
Verify that your computer has sufficient local hard drive space to store all your downloaded OneDrive files, and maintain a stable internet connection until the download process is fully complete.
Safely Download Files and Uninstall OneDrive
Use this method to secure your cloud files locally on your computer before unlinking your account and removing the OneDrive application.
Before uninstalling the application, it is crucial to ensure all cloud-only files are downloaded to your local drive. Uninstalling the app only removes the synchronization tool, meaning your files will remain online but will no longer update on your PC.
Open OneDrive Settings from your system tray. Navigate to 'Sync and Backup', select 'Advanced Settings', and click 'Download all files'. Wait until the status indicates that all files are available locally.
In the same OneDrive Settings menu, turn off any folder backups. Then go to the 'Account' tab and select 'Unlink this PC' to stop synchronization.
Open your Windows Settings and navigate to 'Apps' > 'Apps & features'. Scroll down to find 'Microsoft OneDrive', click on it, and select 'Uninstall'.
Cancel Microsoft 365 Basic Subscription
Follow these steps to stop your recurring billing and cancel the extra cloud storage provided by Microsoft 365 Basic.
Switch to WPS Office for a Free, Lightweight Experience
If you are canceling Microsoft 365 to reduce subscription costs, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. It provides a familiar, feature-rich environment for all your document needs without the monthly fees.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Office files directly; no format conversion is needed.
- 3. Save and Sync: Use the built-in WPS Cloud to safely back up your documents, replacing the need for expensive third-party cloud storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will uninstalling OneDrive delete my files?
No. Uninstalling the OneDrive application from your computer only stops the background syncing process. Your files will remain perfectly safe on Microsoft's cloud servers and any files you previously downloaded will remain on your local hard drive.
What happens to my online files when I cancel Microsoft 365 Basic?
When you cancel the subscription, your OneDrive storage limit drops from 100GB back to the free 5GB limit. If you have more than 5GB of data stored, your account will become read-only. You will not be able to upload, edit, or sync new files until you free up space, though you can still download or delete existing files.
How do I know if my OneDrive files are fully downloaded before uninstalling?
Open your OneDrive folder in Windows File Explorer. Look at the status icons next to your files and folders. A solid green circle with a white checkmark indicates that the file is downloaded and always available offline. A cloud icon means the file is still online-only and needs to be downloaded.
