How to Stop OneDrive Syncing in Windows 11? Easy Steps
There are different ways to stop OneDrive syncing in Windows 11, depending on whether you want a temporary pause or a permanent solution. If you only need to stop syncing for a short time, you can pause it from the system tray. If you want to stop syncing files to your computer completely, unlinking your account or disabling OneDrive is a better option.
Each method is clearly explained in this guide. Follow the steps carefully based on what you want to do with syncing.
Let’s know exactly how to control or stop OneDrive Syncing on your Windows 11 system!
How to stop OneDrive syncing in Windows 11?
To stop OneDrive syncing in Windows 11, click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray, open Settings, and choose Pause syncing or Unlink this PC. You can also disable OneDrive from Startup apps or uninstall it completely if you no longer need it. These methods help you stop automatic file syncing and regain control over your storage and internet usage.
Step 1: Access the OneDrive settings from the system tray
The first step to controlling OneDrive syncing is opening its settings panel. OneDrive runs in the background on Windows 11 and is represented by a small cloud icon in the system tray.
Look at the bottom right corner of your screen where the date and time appear. Click on the small cloud icon. If you do not see it immediately, click the upward arrow to show hidden icons. Once you find the OneDrive cloud icon, click it once.
A small window will open showing recent activity and sync status. In the top right corner of this window, you will see a gear-shaped icon representing Settings. Click on this gear icon and then select Settings from the dropdown menu. This will open the OneDrive settings panel, where you can manage syncing, accounts, and backup preferences.
Opening the settings is important because all syncing controls are located here. Without accessing this panel, you cannot pause or stop syncing effectively.
Step 2: Pause OneDrive syncing temporarily
If you want to stop syncing for a short time without disabling OneDrive permanently, you can use the pause feature. This is useful when you have limited internet data or need better system performance.
After opening the OneDrive menu from the system tray, click the gear icon again. You will see the option called Pause syncing. When you hover over it, you will get time options such as 2 hours, 8 hours, and 24 hours.
Select the time duration that suits your needs. Once selected, OneDrive syncing will stop immediately for the chosen time. During this period, no files will be uploaded or downloaded from the cloud. Your existing files will remain safe on your computer.
When the pause duration ends, syncing will automatically resume. If you want to resume syncing manually before the timer ends, simply open the OneDrive menu again and click Resume syncing.
This method is ideal for users who only need a temporary break from syncing rather than a permanent solution.
Step 3: Unlink your PC from OneDrive
If you want to stop OneDrive syncing completely, unlinking your PC is the best option. This method disconnects your computer from your OneDrive account and stops all syncing activities.
Open the OneDrive settings panel by clicking the cloud icon and selecting Settings. Navigate to the Account tab inside the settings window. Here, you will see your connected Microsoft account and an option called Unlink this PC.
Click on Unlink this PC. A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure you want to unlink the account. Confirm your choice. Once unlinked, OneDrive will stop syncing files to your computer.
Your files stored in the OneDrive folder on your computer will remain there, but they will no longer update or sync with the cloud. If you want to access cloud files again, you will need to sign in to OneDrive later.
Unlinking is a safe and effective method if you want to stop syncing but still keep OneDrive installed on your system.
Step 4: Disable OneDrive from startup
Even after unlinking your account, OneDrive may still run in the background when Windows starts. Disabling it from startup ensures that it does not automatically launch and attempt to sync.
Open the Settings app in Windows 11 by pressing the Windows key and I together. Go to Apps and then select Startup. You will see a list of applications that start automatically when your computer turns on.
Scroll through the list until you find Microsoft OneDrive. Turn off the toggle next to it. This will prevent OneDrive from launching during startup.
Disabling OneDrive from startup helps improve system performance and ensures that syncing does not restart automatically. You can still open OneDrive manually if needed, but it will not run in the background by default.
Step 5: Stop OneDrive folder backup
Windows 11 allows OneDrive to automatically back up important folders such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. If these folders are syncing, you may want to stop the backup feature.
Open OneDrive settings again and go to the Sync and backup section. Click on Manage backup. You will see a list of folders currently being backed up.
Turn off backup for the folders you no longer want to sync. Confirm your choice when prompted. Once disabled, those folders will stop syncing with OneDrive.
This step is useful for users who want to keep OneDrive active but do not want their personal folders automatically uploaded to the cloud.
Step 6: Uninstall OneDrive from Windows 11
If you do not use OneDrive at all and want to remove it completely, uninstalling is the final step. This will permanently stop syncing and remove the app from your system.
Open the Settings app and go to Apps. Click Installed apps and search for Microsoft OneDrive in the list. Click the three dots next to it and select Uninstall. Confirm the action when prompted.
Once uninstalled, OneDrive will no longer run on your computer. All syncing will stop completely. Your files stored locally will remain safe on your system.
If you ever need OneDrive again, you can download and install it from the official Microsoft website.
Faqs
Does stopping OneDrive syncing delete my files?
No, stopping OneDrive syncing does not delete your files. Files already stored on your computer will remain there. Only the syncing process between your device and the cloud will stop.
Can I restart syncing later?
Yes, you can restart syncing anytime by signing back into OneDrive or re-enabling the app. Simply open OneDrive and log in with your Microsoft account.
Is it safe to unlink OneDrive from my PC?
Yes, unlinking OneDrive is completely safe. It only disconnects your account from the device and stops syncing. Your files will remain available locally and online.
Why is OneDrive syncing automatically?
OneDrive syncs automatically because it is integrated into Windows 11 and enabled by default. It is designed to back up and synchronize files across devices unless you manually disable it.
Can I stop OneDrive from syncing only one folder?
Yes, you can choose specific folders to stop syncing through OneDrive settings. Open settings, go to account preferences, and select folders you want to exclude from syncing.
Summary
Stopping OneDrive syncing in Windows 11 includes 6 simple steps.
- Access the OneDrive settings from the system tray
- Pause OneDrive syncing temporarily
- Unlink your PC from OneDrive
- Disable OneDrive from startup
- Stop OneDrive folder backup
- Uninstall OneDrive from Windows 11
For users who want a complete solution, uninstalling OneDrive ensures that it no longer runs on the system. Each method serves a different purpose depending on whether you want a temporary pause or a permanent stop.