One drive issues

Ray Schmid 0 Reputation points
2026-10-09T21:50:45.6733333+00:00

Removing one drive and putting back all files uploaded from my pc.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
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  1. Ramesh Srinivasan 88,795 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-11T11:03:43.5933333+00:00

    Hi Ray,

    Before uninstalling OneDrive, please do the following:

    Step 1: Restore the files from the OneDrive cloud.

    Please click on the OneDrive icon in the notification area. In the OneDrive flyout window, click the gear icon and select Settings.

    In the Sync and Backup tab, expand "Advanced settings". Under "Files On-Demand", click "Download all files". Selecting this option downloads all files from the cloud to your device.

    onedrive-download-all-files

    Step 2: Stop folder backups in OneDrive

    Once done, you can stop folder backups. See the section "Stop folder backup in OneDrive" at this link → Back up your folders with OneDrive | Microsoft Support.

    After completing the above two methods, you may uninstall OneDrive if you don't plan to use it.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-09T21:51:06.16+00:00

    To remove OneDrive and keep files back on the PC, use this order:

    1. In OneDrive, make sure files are fully downloaded to the PC first.
      • Open OneDrive from the notification area.
      • Go to Sync and Backup > Advanced Settings.
      • Under Files On-Demand, use Download all files.
      • Wait until files are fully available locally.
    2. Turn off folder backup.
      • In OneDrive settings, select Manage Backup.
      • Turn off the backed-up folders.
    3. Unlink the PC from OneDrive.
      • Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
      • Select Help and Settings > Settings.
      • Open the Account tab.
      • Select Unlink this PC > Unlink account.
    4. Remove the local OneDrive app.
      • Go to Settings > Apps.
      • Find OneDrive and select Uninstall.
    5. If files are still only in OneDrive folders, copy them to normal local folders outside the OneDrive folder.
      • For example, copy the contents from OneDrive\Documents into the local Documents folder.
      • Do not copy the entire OneDrive folder as one block.

    Important:

    • Unlinking or uninstalling OneDrive does not remove files from the cloud by itself.
    • If the goal is to delete everything from OneDrive online too, that is a separate action and permanently removes all OneDrive files.
    • Deleting files online keeps them deleted, so use caution.

    If the PC folders were redirected into OneDrive and do not return to normal after unlinking, the supported guidance in the provided material is to first restore files locally, then unlink and uninstall OneDrive.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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