Removing a OneDrive account from a Windows 10 PC is called “unlinking.” It signs OneDrive out on that computer and stops syncing, but it doesn’t delete your OneDrive account or the files stored online. Use it when you’re switching to a different account, handing the PC to someone else, or just don’t want your files syncing to this computer anymore. This guide covers unlinking, what happens to your files, and the extra cleanup steps that keep the account from coming back.
Quick answer
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar, select the gear icon, and choose Settings. On the Account tab, click Unlink this PC, then Unlink account.
Before you unlink: stop folder backup
If OneDrive is backing up your Desktop, Documents, or Pictures folders, turn that off first so those folders return to your PC in a normal way.
- Open OneDrive settings (cloud icon > gear > Settings).
- Go to the Sync and back up tab (called Backup in older versions) and click Manage back up.
- Turn off each folder and confirm.
Also check that any files you need are actually downloaded. Files showing a cloud icon in File Explorer are online-only and won’t be available on the PC after you unlink. Right-click the OneDrive folder and choose Always keep on this device to download everything, if you have room.
How to unlink a OneDrive account in Windows 10
Step 1: Open OneDrive settings
Click the white or blue cloud icon in the notification area at the right end of the taskbar. If you don’t see it, click the up arrow to show hidden icons. Select the gear icon and choose Settings.
Step 2: Go to the Account tab
Click the Account tab. You’ll see the email address of the linked account and how much storage it uses.
Step 3: Unlink this PC
Click Unlink this PC. A confirmation box explains that syncing will stop. Click Unlink account.
Step 4: Close the setup window
OneDrive opens a “Set up OneDrive” screen asking you to sign in again. Close it if you don’t want to add another account.
What happens to your files
- Online: Everything stays in your OneDrive account. You can still reach it at onedrive.com or on another device.
- On this PC: Files that were fully downloaded stay in the OneDrive folder (usually C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive), but they no longer sync. Online-only files disappear from the PC.
- Deleting the local folder: Once unlinked, you can safely delete the local OneDrive folder. It won’t remove anything from the cloud.
Remove a second account
If you have both a personal and a work or school account in OneDrive, each appears on the Account tab. Click Unlink this PC under the one you want to remove. The other account keeps syncing.
Remove the account from Windows too
Unlinking OneDrive doesn’t remove the Microsoft account from Windows. If you added it just for OneDrive or Office, open Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts, select the account under Accounts used by other apps, and click Remove. You can’t remove the account you use to sign in to Windows this way. To change that, switch to a local account first under Your info.
Some saved sign-ins also live in Credential Manager. Search for Credential Manager, open Windows Credentials, and remove entries labeled OneDrive Cached Credential if OneDrive keeps signing back in.
Stop OneDrive from starting
If you don’t plan to use OneDrive at all, open its settings, go to the Settings tab, and uncheck Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows. To remove the app completely, see our guide on how to completely remove OneDrive from Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Will unlinking OneDrive delete my files?
No. Your files stay in your OneDrive account online. Only syncing to this PC stops.
Can I link a different account afterward?
Yes. After unlinking, sign in on the Set up OneDrive screen with the new account. See our guide on signing in to OneDrive on Windows 10.
How do I delete my OneDrive account entirely?
OneDrive is part of your Microsoft account, so you’d have to close the whole Microsoft account on Microsoft’s website. That deletes your email, files, and purchases, so download anything you need first.
Summary
- Stop folder backup and download files you need.
- Open OneDrive settings > Account.
- Click Unlink this PC > Unlink account.
- Remove the account from Windows and Credential Manager if needed.
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.