Forum Discussion
How to disable OneDrive and stop it from coming up when I use SAVE As
If you have uninstalled OneDrive but it’s still showing up as an option when you use the "Save As" dialog, it's likely because OneDrive integration with Windows is still active, and the uninstallation didn't fully remove all components. To completely disable OneDrive and remove it from the "Save As" options, you can follow these steps:
Method 1: Disable OneDrive Integration
- Press Win + R: This will open the Run dialog.
- Type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter: This will open the Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Windows Components" > "OneDrive".
- Find the policy called "Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage".
- Double-click on the policy to open its properties.
- Select "Enabled" to disable OneDrive integration.
- Click "Apply" and then "OK".
Method 2: Modify the Windows Registry
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Windows Registry Editor.
- Navigate to "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}".
- Right-click on this key and choose "Export". Save it to your computer as a backup.
- Delete the key (folder) "{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}".
- Restart your computer.
After performing either of these methods, OneDrive should no longer appear in the "Save As" dialog or any file dialog in Windows.
Please note that editing the Windows Registry and Group Policy can be sensitive operations, and making incorrect changes can affect your system. Make sure to follow the steps carefully, and it is a good practice to back up your system or registry before making any changes. If you are not comfortable with these steps, you may want to seek assistance from someone with more experience in managing Windows settings. The proposed solutions are untested. The text and steps were edited with the help of AI.
My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!
Hope this will help you.
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- keelyinlagmailcomJan 08, 2024Copper ContributorI did Method 1 no problem, "enabled" all the options to disable one drive (enable is not intuitive to disable), Save as STILL defaults to one drive. This is soooo frustrating. The cloud icon is not in my notification area, Uninstall programs doesn't show one drive. etc. its like its hiding and hijacking all my files. please help me uninstall it. I've tried everything offered online, no success.
- NikolinoDEJan 08, 2024Gold Contributor
If you've already disabled OneDrive using the Group Policy Editor and the "Save As" still defaults to OneDrive, you can try a few additional steps to ensure that OneDrive integration is fully disabled. Please note that these steps involve editing the Windows Registry, so proceed with caution, and back up your system before making any changes.
Edit the Windows Registry:
1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Windows Registry Editor.
Caution: The Windows Registry is a critical part of the operating system. Incorrect changes can cause serious issues. Be cautious and follow the steps carefully.
3. Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}
4. In the right pane, right-click on the "{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}" key and choose "Delete."
5. Close the Registry Editor.
Restart Your Computer:
After making these changes, restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
Verify OneDrive Uninstallation:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to "C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDrive" (replace [YourUsername] with your actual username).
- If the "OneDrive" folder is still present, delete it.
Check "Save As" Again:
After completing these steps, try using the "Save As" function in Excel to check if OneDrive is still the default location.
Note:
- If you're still having issues, it's possible that remnants of OneDrive may persist. In such cases, you may need to use a third-party uninstaller. There are various third-party uninstaller tools available that can help you remove software more thoroughly than the built-in uninstaller. One popular option is "Revo Uninstaller." You can visit the official website of Revo Uninstaller: https://www.revouninstaller.com/. Revo Uninstaller is just one option, and there are other uninstaller tools available. Always download such tools from reputable sources to ensure their safety and legitimacy.
Remember, making changes to the Windows Registry requires caution. If you are not comfortable with these steps, consider to contact OneDrive Microsoft Support for further guidance.
My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!
Hope this will help you.
- Sewwht2Jan 01, 2024Copper Contributor
I tried your Method 1: explanation below and an error message popped up that Windows could not find gpedit.msc. Make sure you typed the correct name, and then try again. My backstory is I can NOT find my OneDrive account anywhere, nor do I recall installing it ever. I have an old free version of hotmail, now outlook email account. My OneDrive is full, and I am no longer able to receive/send emails. My regular mailbox has plenty of space. I have searched the Settings on my computer - Apps & features - and NO OneDrive or Microsoft OneDrive anywhere. I have searched my entire computer and found nothing! When I log into my email account, a message pops up that my account is full and to please delete files in my OneDrive. When I go to settings, there is no Account or Syncing & Backup option. I have tried everything and read through every post on the community help board. I really just want my email account back, as I feel Microsoft has been holding it hostage. There is no reason for me to pay to upgrade my storage as that has never been an issue for me, until this OneDrive issue. Any suggestions by you or anyone else would be greatly appreciated!!
Since I can't get any emails from my current hotmail account, please email responses to my new account at sewwht2 @ gmail dot com please.
Thanks in advance for your time and attention!
- NikolinoDEJan 03, 2024Gold Contributor
I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're facing with OneDrive and your email account. Unfortunately, I cannot send emails, but I can offer some additional guidance to help you resolve the issue:
1. Finding and Unlinking OneDrive:
If you're unable to find OneDrive on your computer, you may try searching for it in the Start menu or File Explorer. If it's not there, it might not be installed.
To unlink your computer from OneDrive, you can try reinstalling it, then follow the steps you mentioned earlier to unlink your computer. After that, you can uninstall it again.
2. Checking OneDrive Status Online:
Go to the OneDrive website (https://onedrive.live.com) and log in with your Microsoft account credentials.
Check if you can find your OneDrive files and manage your account settings from there.
3. Managing Email Storage:
To address the issue of your email account being full due to OneDrive, consider deleting unnecessary files from your OneDrive storage through the web interface.
Ensure that your email account is not set to automatically save attachments to OneDrive.
4. Contacting Microsoft Support:
If you're still experiencing issues, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance. They can provide specific guidance tailored to your account and may help resolve the problem.
5. Upgrading Email Storage:
If the issue persists and you're unable to resolve it with the free storage provided, you might need to consider upgrading your OneDrive storage or contacting Microsoft Support for assistance in resolving the storage-related issues affecting your email account.
Remember to back up important data before making any changes to your system or account settings. If you continue to face challenges, Microsoft Support will be the most reliable resource for resolving account-specific issues.
- john_upperMay 13, 2024Copper Contributor
Sewwht2 Ditto.
the OneDrive virus, and its enablers, survives.
- john_upperFeb 05, 2024Copper Contributor
may have been helpful when written, but worthless in 2024.
Method 1 fails because "Windows cannot find 'gpedit.msc'
Method 2 fails because there is no HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6} in my registry.
Maybe M$ keeps changing ways to delete OneDrive?
NikolinoDE - wolfganguDec 22, 2023Copper Contributor
NikolinoDE
Hi, is your above recommendation the easiest way to do it ? , as for me, its a bit tricky but I will try Method 1 only as deleting stuff in the registry is not something that I usually dothank you
@wolfgangu
- fl-axe_manJan 14, 2024Copper ContributorI got to this in mid-Jan 24. The instructions in method 1 are still spot on. Just follow them as is.
- fl-axe_manJan 14, 2024Copper ContributorThanks for this. Was getting so frustrated, having tried all the local solutions in the office apps which seem to last all of 5 minutes. Figured there had to be a deeper way to **bleep** this. Sadly this is probably going to be an ongoing battle.
- lindacotswoldsFeb 17, 2024Copper ContributorHi NikolinoDE - I have the same issue - I'm on Windows 11, version 22H2. I went to gpedit as advised above but I don't have a folder called "Computer Configuration" to navigate to- do you know if there may be a different name for it?
PS - I hope MS tech team reads this: I am so so tired of Windows 11 changing my system without notice - every time they change a setting it costs me money - at least when it's new to me - last month it kept defaulting urls to open in Edge - which I don't want - and it took me ages and ages to try and find the problem. Eventually I paid my IT support service £36 to find it for me. Please stop pushing Microsoft defaults on us!- lindacotswoldsFeb 27, 2024Copper Contributor
Any more on this please, anyone? I have just realised this thread is addressing Windows 11 Pro users whereas I have Windows Home. So probably that means I am stuck with this. Grrrr!
- Rich_Simpsrich123-SueMar 07, 2024Copper ContributorI am on Windows 11 Pro. I tried Methods 1 & 2 and both failed. Number 1 did not have OneDrive in the lists of apps. Number 2 failed because there was no HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6} in my registry. I've tried every possible instruction to remove and/or disable "OneDrive - Personal" at the top of the Save As. I REALLY WANT TO GET RID OF ONEDRIVE! HELP - HELP- HELP. I have never purposely put anything on cloud & I don't intend to do now. Do I need to Unix or Linux, or???? I've been with MS Windows for more than 45 years. The reason I stayed with MS is I hated Apple because everything was "locked down". It was either the "apple way or the highway". Why would MS want to make an operating system that acted like an Apple device. MAKE ME HAPPY MICROSOFT. I don't make me pay for something I don't need. I have my own personal cloud. Fix this problem or give me a workaround.
- rcull999Mar 30, 2024Copper Contributor
Thanks for the suggestions.
I used the first method but, in total contradiction of what the policy setting claims to control, MSWord still wants to impose Onedrive as the default save location. Ridiculous.
- allauddinApr 09, 2024Copper Contributor
One /Drive is a money making machine for Microsoft, I had same proble. Microsoft blocked my email stating FULL as due to One Drive, which I blocked since November 2023. i had to fork out for subscription to re use my email address.
moving now to old yahoo and gmail.
- john_upperMay 13, 2024Copper ContributorType "gpedit.msc" and press Enter: This will open the Group Policy Editor.
wanna bet?
Not true as of 2024.05.12, when MS Win11 responds with:
"Windows cannot find 'gpedit.msc'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again."
... which is also a time suck.- NikolinoDEMay 13, 2024Gold Contributor
To All Users Concerned about OneDrive Issues:
I understand the frustration many of you are experiencing with OneDrive integration on your Windows systems. It is clear that OneDrive behaves differently for each user, depending on various factors such as operating system versions, system configurations, and individual preferences.
Before delving into specific solutions, it's important to note that the effectiveness of any method can vary based on factors such as your operating system version, software configurations, network and individual preferences and settings. Additionally, it's plausible that some of the challenges you're encountering might stem from OneDrive bugs or inconsistencies, which could necessitate further investigation by Microsoft.
I will try to address the common concerns raised here and provide some guidance based on the information available.
- Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc): Many users have reported difficulties accessing the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) to disable OneDrive integration. This might be due to different Windows editions or system configurations. If gpedit.msc is not available on your system, it could be because you're using a Windows edition that doesn't include it, such as Windows Home. In such cases, alternative methods like modifying the registry or using third-party uninstaller tools may be necessary. Example: In Windows 11, the Group Policy Editor is not included in the Home edition, and even in other editions, it is not as easily accessible as it once was.
- Registry Modification: Some users have attempted to modify the Windows Registry to disable OneDrive but couldn't locate the specific registry keys mentioned in the instructions. It's possible that registry keys may vary between Windows versions or updates. Please ensure that you're following instructions specific to your version of Windows and exercise caution when making registry changes.
- Windows 11 Compatibility: For users on Windows 11, certain methods or settings may differ from previous Windows versions. It's essential to verify the compatibility of solutions with Windows 11 and consult updated resources or Microsoft Support for Windows 11-specific assistance.
- Personal Preferences and Options: Some users have expressed a desire to retain the option to save to OneDrive but want to prevent it from being the default save location. This preference may vary among users, and adjusting default save locations within individual applications like Microsoft Word can be a workaround.
- Seeking Microsoft Support: If you have exhausted all available solutions and still encounter issues with OneDrive, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for personalized assistance. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific setup and may offer insights or solutions not found elsewhere.
- Alternative Solutions: Consider exploring alternative cloud storage options or third-party uninstaller tools if OneDrive continues to pose challenges.
Here are some Third-Party Uninstaller Tools (are for reference only).
Revo Uninstaller: Revo Uninstaller is a popular and reliable tool for removing stubborn software and remnants from your system. It offers advanced scanning and removal features to ensure thorough uninstallation.
Link: Revo Uninstaller
Obit Uninstaller: IObit Uninstaller is another well-known uninstaller tool that can help you remove unwanted programs, including OneDrive, from your computer. It offers batch uninstallation, deep scanning, and other useful features.
Link: IObit Uninstaller
Geek Uninstaller: Geek Uninstaller is a lightweight and portable uninstaller tool that prioritizes simplicity and efficiency. It can help you remove OneDrive and other software quickly and easily.
Link: Geek Uninstaller
Bulk Crap Uninstaller (BCUninstaller): BCUninstaller is an open-source uninstaller tool that specializes in batch uninstallation and thorough cleaning of your system. It can help you remove OneDrive and other unwanted software with ease.
Link: Bulk Crap Uninstaller (BCUninstaller)
Wise Program Uninstaller: Wise Program Uninstaller is a user-friendly uninstaller tool that offers safe and complete removal of programs, including built-in scanning for leftover files and registry entries.
Link: Wise Program Uninstaller
Please remember that while I strive to provide some guidance, individual experiences may vary, and solutions may not apply universally. It is important to approach troubleshooting with caution and if necessary, consider seeking professional assistance.
Lastly, I appreciate everyone's contributions to this discussion, but I must clarify that my involvement in this conversation ends here. As I already mentioned I am a simply user like the most here in this forum.
*Please click on the links included, there is information that may be of great use to the user.
Note that these methods may not be complete or permanent and OneDrive may be reactivated after a Windows update. There is no guarantee that these workarounds will work properly as they may be affected by future updates or changes in Windows.
Best regards