OneDrive is a cloud storage service that is integrated into Windows 11. It allows you to store, share, and sync files and folders across multiple devices. While OneDrive can be useful for some users, it may not be for everyone. You may also prefer to use another cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud. If you want to disable OneDrive and remove it from File Explorer in Windows 11, this article will guide you through the process.

Step 1: Disable OneDrive from Starting When You Sign In to Windows

The first step in removing OneDrive from File Explorer is to disable it from starting when you sign in to Windows. To disable OneDrive, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray (lower-right corner of the taskbar) and select “Settings.”

2. In the Settings tab, uncheck the box that says “Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows.”

3. Click on “OK” to save the changes.

Step 2: Unlink OneDrive from Your Windows 11 Account

The next step is to unlink OneDrive from your Windows 11 account. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray and select “Settings.”

2. In the “Account” tab, click on “Unlink this PC.”

3. A confirmation message will appear. Click on “Unlink account.”

4. Wait for a few seconds until the OneDrive icon disappears from the system tray.

Step 3: Remove OneDrive From File Explorer

The last step is to remove OneDrive from File Explorer in Windows 11. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type “regedit” in the Run dialog box and press Enter.

3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}

4. Right-click on “ShellFolder” and select “Permissions.”

5. Click on “Advanced” and then “Change” next to the owner name.

6. Type your username or the name of the group you belong to, and click on “OK.”

7. Check the box next to “Replace owner on sub-containers and objects.” Click on “Apply” and then “OK.”

8. In the Permissions for ShellFolder dialog box, select your username or the group you belong to and check the box next to “Full Control.”

9. Click on “Apply” and then “OK.”

10. Double-click on “Attributes” and change the Value data to “a0900100” (without quotes). This will remove the OneDrive icon from File Explorer.

11. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Conclusion

OneDrive is a useful cloud storage service, but it may not be for everyone. If you want to disable OneDrive and remove it from File Explorer in Windows 11, follow the steps outlined in this article. Once you have completed the steps, you will no longer see the OneDrive icon in File Explorer. If you ever want to use OneDrive again, you can easily re-enable it by following the same steps in reverse.