How to Unlink OneDrive from Microsoft Account on Windows
Introduction:
Hi readers! Have you ever found yourself in a situation where OneDrive is causing you more trouble than it’s worth? If you’re looking to unlink OneDrive from your Microsoft account on Windows, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various methods you can use to disconnect OneDrive from your account and offer valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Unlinking OneDrive through Settings:
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Access Windows Settings: To get started, press the "Windows + I" keys to open the Settings app.
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Navigate to Accounts: Once the Settings window appears, click on the "Accounts" tab.
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Select Your Microsoft Account: On the left-hand side of the Accounts page, click on your Microsoft account.
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Deactivate OneDrive: Scroll down until you find the "OneDrive" section. Here, click on the "Unlink OneDrive" button.
Unlinking OneDrive through File Explorer:
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Open File Explorer: Press the "Windows + E" keys to launch File Explorer.
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Access OneDrive Folder: In the left-hand navigation pane, locate the "OneDrive" folder.
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Right-click on OneDrive: Right-click on the OneDrive folder and select "Settings" from the context menu.
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Unlink OneDrive: In the Settings window that appears, click on the "Unlink OneDrive" button.
Unlinking OneDrive through the Command Prompt:
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Open Command Prompt as Administrator: In the Windows search bar, type "Command Prompt" and right-click on it. Then, select "Run as administrator."
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Execute Unlink Command: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
OneDrive.exe /unlink
Detailed Table Breakdown:
Method | Steps |
---|---|
Settings | 1. Access Windows Settings. 2. Navigate to Accounts. 3. Click on your Microsoft account. 4. Deactivate OneDrive. |
File Explorer | 1. Open File Explorer. 2. Locate the OneDrive folder. 3. Right-click on OneDrive. 4. Unlink OneDrive. |
Command Prompt | 1. Open Command Prompt as administrator. 2. Execute unlink command. |
Conclusion:
We hope this guide has provided you with the necessary steps to unlink OneDrive from your Microsoft account on Windows. Remember, unlinking OneDrive will not delete your files; they will still be accessible through your web browser. If you have any further questions or would like to explore other related topics, feel free to check out our other articles for more valuable insights.
FAQ about Unlinking OneDrive Microsoft Account on Windows
1. How do I unlink OneDrive from my Microsoft account?
- Go to the OneDrive website (onedrive.live.com)
- Sign in to your Microsoft account
- Click on Settings (gear icon) at the top right corner
- Select "Options"
- Click on "Unlink OneDrive" and confirm.
2. If I unlink OneDrive, what will happen to my files?
- If you have OneDrive files synced to your computer, they will remain on your local drive, but you will no longer be able to access them from other devices.
- Files stored only in the cloud will be removed.
- If you want to keep your files, back them up before unlinking OneDrive.
3. Is there a way to unlink OneDrive without losing my files?
- No, unlinking OneDrive will remove any files stored only in the cloud.
- Back up your files before unlinking if you want to keep them.
4. Why can’t I unlink my OneDrive account?
- You may not be signed in to the correct Microsoft account.
- You may have files or folders that are shared with others. Contact them and ask them to remove your access before unlinking OneDrive.
5. Can I relink my OneDrive account after unlinking it?
- Yes, you can relink your OneDrive account by signing in to the OneDrive website with the same credentials you used to unlink it.
6. What happens if I unlink my OneDrive account from a work or school account?
- Your OneDrive files will remain on your local drive, but you will need to sign in with your work or school account to access them.
7. Can I unlink OneDrive from my computer without uninstalling it?
- Yes, you can unlink OneDrive from your computer without uninstalling it by signing out of the OneDrive desktop app.
8. Where can I find the OneDrive desktop app settings?
- Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the taskbar
- Select "Settings"
9. How do I remove the OneDrive folder from File Explorer?
- Open File Explorer
- Click on "View" at the top
- Uncheck "Hidden items"
- Navigate to C:UsersYourUsernameOneDrive
- Right-click on the OneDrive folder
- Select "Properties"
- Uncheck "Hidden" and click "OK"
10. What is the difference between unlinking and pausing OneDrive?
- Unlinking removes your OneDrive account from your device and your files are no longer stored in the cloud.
- Pausing OneDrive stops syncing and prevents files from being uploaded or downloaded, but your files remain on your device and in the cloud.