How to Stop OneDrive Syncing in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

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Therefore, the images used are in Japanese.

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In Windows 11, OneDrive is automatically set to sync your files during the initial setup.
While this can be convenient, many users find that their storage space fills up without them realizing it, or that their PC starts running slowly.

This beginner-friendly guide introduces four easy ways to turn off OneDrive’s automatic sync.
Choose the method that fits your needs and keep your PC organized and running efficiently.

1.Stop OneDrive from Starting Automatically (to prevent constant syncing)
2.Choose Which Folders to Sync (to save storage space)
3.To unlink your OneDrive account (when you want to disconnect from the cloud)
4.Uninstall the OneDrive App (If you won't use it at all)
5.Summary

1.Stop OneDrive from Starting Automatically (to prevent constant syncing)

You can change the settings so that OneDrive doesn’t start automatically when Windows boots up.
helps your PC run faster, but you can still open OneDrive manually whenever you need it.

Recommended: Turn it off from Startup Settings

Right-click the Start button on the taskbar → Select Task Manager.
From the left-hand menu, click Startup apps.
Find Microsoft OneDrive in the list and select it.
Click Disable in the top-right corner.

→ From the next restart, OneDrive will no longer launch automatically when Windows starts.

2.Choose Which Folders to Sync (to save storage space)

This option lets you decide which folders — such as Desktop, Documents, or Pictures — you want to sync to OneDrive, and which ones you prefer to keep only on your PC.
It’s an effective way to save cloud storage space.

Here are the steps:

Right-click the OneDrive icon → Select Settings.
Go to the Account tab → Click Choose folders.
Uncheck the folders you don’t want to sync (for example, Documents or Pictures).

→ These unchecked folders will no longer sync with the cloud.
Note:Some system folders that are essential to Windows cannot be turned off.

3.To unlink your OneDrive account (when you want to disconnect from the cloud)

When you unlink your account, syncing stops completely. However, you can use this when you “want to temporarily disconnect from the cloud,” as you can easily restore it by logging in again.

Here are the steps:

Right-click the OneDrive icon → Select “Settings“
Go to the Account tab → Select “Unlink this PC“
Signing out will completely sever the synchronization with your PC.

→This is the way to completely cut the connection between your PC and the cloud. If you want to use it again, you can restore the connection by signing in again.

4.Uninstall the OneDrive App (If you won’t use it at all)

For those who have no plans to use it, you also have the option of deleting the app. This is suitable if you want to completely remove OneDrive from your PC.

Here are the steps:

Start → Settings → Select “Apps“
Find “Microsoft OneDrive” and select “Uninstall“

→ This method is recommended if you will not use it completely. Reinstalling is possible in the future.

5.Summary

If you want to make minor adjustments:
Use Folder Selection (Choose folders) or Disable Automatic Startup (Stop auto-launch).
If you won’t be using it for a while:
Unlink your account (Account Disconnection).
If you no longer need it completely:
Uninstall the application.

Let’s choose the settings that match your purpose!

This page is based on the Japanese page.
Therefore, the images used are in Japanese.

Read this article in Japanese: 日本語版はこちら>>

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