To change the OneDrive account on Windows 11, click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar, open Settings, go to the Account tab, and click Unlink this PC. Then sign in to OneDrive with the other account. Your files stay safe in the cloud; unlinking only stops syncing them to this PC.
If you want to use a second account alongside the first, for example a personal account and a work account, you can add it instead of replacing the first one.
Quick Answer
OneDrive icon > gear > Settings > Account > Unlink this PC > Unlink account, then sign in with the new account.
How to Switch OneDrive to a Different Account
- Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar notification area. If you don’t see it, click the up arrow (^) to show hidden icons.
- Click the gear icon and choose Settings.
- Select Account in the left pane.
- Click Unlink this PC, then confirm with Unlink account.
- When the OneDrive setup window appears, enter the email address of the account you want to use and sign in.
- Choose a OneDrive folder location. If you pick the old folder, OneDrive will ask before merging its contents into the new account.
- Choose which folders to sync and finish setup.
Add a Second OneDrive Account Instead
OneDrive for Windows supports one personal account plus one or more work or school accounts at the same time.
- Open OneDrive Settings > Account.
- Click Add an account.
- Sign in with the work or school account.
Each account gets its own folder in File Explorer and its own cloud icon in the taskbar. You can’t sign in to two personal accounts at once in the desktop app; use the OneDrive website in a browser for the second one.
What Happens to Your Files When You Unlink
| Item | After unlinking |
|---|---|
| Files in the cloud | Stay in the old account online |
| Files already downloaded to the PC | Stay in the old OneDrive folder but stop syncing |
| Online-only (cloud icon) files | Can’t be opened from the PC until you sign in again |
| Desktop, Documents, Pictures backup | Stops; turn it on again under the new account if you want it |
Before unlinking, right-click any online-only files you need offline and choose Always keep on this device.
Changing OneDrive vs. Changing Your Windows Account
OneDrive’s account is separate from the account you sign in to Windows with. Unlinking OneDrive doesn’t change your Windows sign-in, your Microsoft Store account, or your Outlook email. To change the account Windows itself uses, see how to change the Microsoft account on Windows 11.
Switching from Google? See how to move Google Photos to OneDrive.
Related: setting up OneDrive sync in Windows 11.
Troubleshooting
- OneDrive signs back in to the old account automatically: Windows may be offering the account you use to sign in. On the setup screen, choose to use a different account, or remove the old account under Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts if it’s no longer needed.
- “You’re already syncing this account”: The account is already added. Check for a second cloud icon in the taskbar.
- Folder backup won’t turn on for the new account: Another account may still be backing up those folders. Stop backup in the old account first, under Settings > Sync and back up > Manage back up.
- You want OneDrive gone entirely: See how to turn off OneDrive on Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will unlinking OneDrive delete my files?
No. Unlinking only disconnects this PC. Everything stays in the cloud, and local copies stay in the old folder.
Why do I have two OneDrive folders?
Usually because both a personal and a work or school account are signed in, or because an old folder was left behind after switching accounts. The folder names show which account each belongs to.
How do I remove an account from OneDrive?
Open Settings > Account, and click Unlink this PC next to the account you want to remove.
Summary
- Open OneDrive Settings from the cloud icon.
- Go to Account and click Unlink this PC.
- Sign in with the new account.
- Pick your folder and sync choices.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.