10 Ways to Stop OneDrive from Syncing

Don’t worry, you can always start it up again

Do you want to stop OneDrive from syncing on your Windows PC? You’ve got multiple ways to make that happen. For example, you can briefly pause all OneDrive activity, stop it from downloading or backing up specific folders, restrict it to non-metered networks, and more. You can even go all the way and deactivate or uninstall OneDrive if that’s what you want.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn about various methods that you can use to prevent Microsoft’s popular cloud-storage service from syncing files and folders on PC. They apply to both the Windows 11 and Windows 10 versions of OneDrive.

1. Pause All OneDrive Activity

You can pause OneDrive temporarily—even if it’s actively syncing stuff—whenever you want in Windows 11 and Windows 10. That’s quite useful if you want to free up bandwidth on a slower internet connection.

To pause OneDrive, just select theOneDrivecloud icon near the notification area and selectHelp & Settings>Pause syncing. Then, pick a duration—2 hours,8 hours, or24 hours. If you don’t see the OneDrive icon, select theShow hidden iconsarrow on the taskbar.

OneDrive will automatically begin syncing after the duration you select. Or, re-open theOneDrivemenu again and chooseResume Syncingto get it to sync manually. Pausing and resuming uploads and downloads can also helpfix sync issues in Microsoft OneDrive.

2. Close the OneDrive App

It’s also possible to stop OneDrive from syncing indefinitely by closing it. To do that, select theMicrosoft OneDriveicon and selectHelp & Settings>Close OneDrive. Then, selectClose OneDriveagain to confirm.

Just search forOneDriveand open it via theStartmenu whenever you want to start syncing again. It will also launch automatically the next time you restart your computer.

If you close OneDrive but also want it to stop launching automatically after a PC restart, simply open theMicrosoft OneDrivedialog box—selectSettingson theOneDrivemenu—and clear theStart OneDrive automatically when I sign into Windowsbox under theSettingstab.

3. Pause OneDrive on Metered Networks

You can also stop OneDrive from syncing on a particular network by setting it up as a metered connection in Windows 11/10. To do that, open theWi-Fi/Ethernetmenu via the system tray and selectInfo(Windows 11) orProperties(Windows 10).

On the Wi-Fi/Ethernet network’s properties screen that then shows up, turn on the switch next toMetered connection(Windows 11) orSet as metered connection(Windows 10). That should instantly pause OneDrive synchronization on your PC.

If that does not pause OneDrive, open OneDrive’sSettingsdialog box and check the box next toAutomatically pause sync when this device is on a metered networkoption.

4. Pause OneDrive in Battery Saver Mode

Are you worried about OneDrive impacting your laptop’s battery life? Turning on Battery Saver Mode will automatically pause all OneDrive activity. So, start by opening theSettingsapp in Windows 11/10.

Then, go toSystem>Power & Battery/Battery>Battery saverand selectTurn on nownext toBattery saver. Battery Saver Mode will also kick in automatically when battery life falls below 20%. However, you can open theTurn battery saver on automatically atmenu and increase that all the way to 50%.

If activating Battery Saver Mode does not pause OneDrive, open OneDrive’sSettingsdialog box and check the box next toAutomatically pause sync when this device is in battery saver mode.

5. Stop Syncing Specific OneDrive Folders

By default, OneDrive syncs all of your files and folders from the Microsoft servers to your PC. However, you can specify OneDrive to sync what you want. To do that, open the OneDriveSettingsdialog, switch to theAccountstab, and select theChoose foldersbutton.

On theChoose folderspop-up window that then shows up, uncheck the boxes next to any files and folders you want OneDrive to stop syncing to your PC. Don’t forget to selectOKto save your changes.

6. Manage OneDrive Backup Folders

OneDrive backs up the Photos, Desktop, and Documents folders on your PC by default, but that might quickly fill up your cloud storage plan. To manage your backup folders, open the OneDriveSettingsdialog, switch to theBackuptab, and select theManage backupbutton.

On theManage folder backuppop-up that shows up, uncheck any folders you don’t want OneDrive to back up to the cloud.

7. Stop Office Apps From Syncing to OneDrive

Do you want to stop Microsoft Office applications from syncing files to OneDrive? In OneDrive’sSettingsdialog, just switch to theOfficetab and clear the box next toUse Office applications to sync files that I open.

8. Stop Syncing Photos, Videos, and Screenshots to OneDrive

OneDrive can store photos and videos from external devices—such as cameras and smartphones—that you connect to your PC. It’s also capable of automatically uploading and saving your screenshots. If you want to stop any of that, open theMicrosoft OneDrivedialog box and clear the checkboxes under thePhotos and videosandScreenshotssections.

9. Disable OneDrive on PC

If you don’t want to use OneDrive to sync files and folders on your PC anymore, you have the option of unlinking your OneDrive account. To do that, open OneDrive’sSettingsdialog, switch to theAccounttab, and select theUnlink this PCoption.

Then, selectUnlink accountto confirm you want to unlink OneDrive. Any OneDrive files you’ve already synced locally to your PC will remain accessible via File Explorer. You can also access files that you’ve backed up to OneDrive atOneDrive.com.

Want to use OneDrive again? Just sign in to the OneDrive app with your Microsoft Account credentials.

10. Uninstall OneDrive on PC

If you prefer analternative cloud-storage servicesuch as Google Drive or Dropbox and have no intention of using OneDrive again, you can choose touninstall the OneDrive app from your PC.

To do that, unlink your Microsoft Account from OneDrive using the above instructions. Then, right-click theStartbutton and selectApps and Features.

On theApps & featureswindow that shows up, selectMicrosoft OneDrive>Uninstall. You must chooseUninstallagain to confirm.

That should prompt Windows to remove OneDrive from your PC. If you change your mind later, you can alwaysdownload and install OneDrive from the Microsoft websiteand pick up right from where you left off.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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10 Ways to Stop OneDrive from Syncing#

1. Pause All OneDrive Activity#

2. Close the OneDrive App#

3. Pause OneDrive on Metered Networks#

4. Pause OneDrive in Battery Saver Mode#

5. Stop Syncing Specific OneDrive Folders#

6. Manage OneDrive Backup Folders#

7. Stop Office Apps From Syncing to OneDrive#

8. Stop Syncing Photos, Videos, and Screenshots to OneDrive#

9. Disable OneDrive on PC#

10. Uninstall OneDrive on PC#

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