Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

How to Unlink or Uninstall OneDrive Without Removing Office

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to stop OneDrive synchronization or remove the OneDrive app entirely without affecting their Microsoft Office suite or locally stored files.

How to Unlink or Uninstall OneDrive Without Removing Microsoft Office

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Stopping cloud synchronization or completely removing the cloud storage application while retaining productivity software and local documents.
Observed behavior: The user needs to retain their local files and Word, Excel, or PowerPoint applications while disconnecting or removing the background sync service.

Before you start

Ensure that any files currently syncing to OneDrive have finished uploading or downloading before unlinking to prevent file version conflicts.

Solution 1Recommended

Unlink Your PC from OneDrive

Stop OneDrive from syncing your files without removing the application from your computer.

Unlinking your account will disconnect your computer from the cloud service. Your local files will remain exactly where they are, but any future changes will no longer synchronize with your online OneDrive storage.

Open OneDrive Settings

Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon located in your Windows notification area (system tray) at the bottom right of your screen, and select Settings.

Navigate to the Account Tab

In the settings window that opens, click on the Account tab to view your connection details.

Unlink This PC

Click the 'Unlink this PC' link. Follow any prompts to confirm that you want to stop syncing your files.

Sync Successfully Stopped: Your computer is now disconnected from OneDrive. Microsoft Office applications will continue to work normally with your local files.

Solution 2

Uninstall the Microsoft OneDrive Application

Completely remove the OneDrive synchronization app without affecting Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.

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1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free setup file.
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microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling OneDrive delete my Word and Excel documents?

No, uninstalling the OneDrive application only stops the cloud synchronization service. Your locally downloaded documents, as well as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs, will remain completely unaffected.

Can I still access my cloud files after unlinking OneDrive?

Yes, even after unlinking your PC, your files remain safely stored in the cloud. You can still access them anytime by logging into the OneDrive website via your web browser.

How do I know if my files are saved locally before unlinking?

Open your OneDrive folder using File Explorer. Files with a green checkmark icon are saved locally on your device, while files with a cloud icon are only available online. You can right-click cloud files and select 'Always keep on this device' to download them before unlinking.

Installation & Activation