OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage service that comes built into Windows. It helps you store files online, sync documents across devices, and keep important data backed up. However, there may be times when you want to empty your OneDrive storage, stop it from syncing files, or completely close it on your PC.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to empty and close OneDrive on your PC.
What Happens When You Empty and Close OneDrive?
Before you begin, it’s important to understand the difference between emptying OneDrive and closing OneDrive.
Emptying OneDrive means deleting files stored in your cloud storage account. This helps free up storage space and removes unwanted files from Microsoft’s servers.
Closing OneDrive means stopping the OneDrive application from running and syncing files on your PC. Your files remain available unless you delete them.
If you plan to stop using OneDrive completely, you should first review your files and download any important documents that you want to keep. Once files are deleted from OneDrive and removed from the Recycle Bin, they may not be recoverable.
How to Empty & Close OneDrive on Your PC
Quick Steps:
- Open OneDrive from the system tray.
- Review and delete files you no longer need from your OneDrive folder.
- Empty the OneDrive Recycle Bin online.
- Pause or stop file synchronization.
- Close OneDrive from the notification area.
- Unlink your PC from OneDrive if you no longer want it connected.
- Disable OneDrive from startup if you do not plan to use it regularly.
Let’s learn the steps in detail!
Step 1: Review and Back Up Important Files
Before emptying OneDrive, take some time to check which files are currently stored in your account.
Open File Explorer and locate the OneDrive folder in the left navigation pane. Browse through your folders and identify any files that you may still need.
- To save important files locally:
- Open File Explorer.
- Select OneDrive from the navigation panel.
- Locate the files or folders you want to keep.
- Right-click the file and select Copy.
- Paste the file into a local folder such as Documents, Downloads, or another drive.
This step is especially important if you plan to delete everything from OneDrive. Creating a backup ensures you do not accidentally lose valuable files, photos, or work documents.
Take your time reviewing your content. Many users forget that desktop files, pictures, and documents may have been automatically synced to OneDrive.
Step 2: Delete Files from Your OneDrive Folder
Once you’ve backed up important files, you can begin removing content from OneDrive.
Deleting files from the OneDrive folder will also remove them from your cloud account because the folder is synchronized.
To delete files:
- Open File Explorer.
- Click OneDrive.
- Select the files and folders you want to remove.
- Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
- Confirm the deletion when prompted.
If you want to remove everything:
- Press Ctrl + A inside the OneDrive folder.
- Press Delete.
- Confirm the action.
Depending on the amount of data stored, the deletion process may take several minutes. Large folders containing videos, photos, or project files may require additional time to synchronize the changes.
After deletion, the files will move to the OneDrive Recycle Bin instead of being permanently erased immediately.
Step 3: Empty the OneDrive Recycle Bin
Deleting files from your OneDrive folder does not immediately free up cloud storage space. The files remain in the OneDrive Recycle Bin until it is emptied.
To permanently remove deleted files:
- Open a web browser.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account.
- Open OneDrive online.
- Select the Recycle Bin from the left side menu.
- Review the deleted files.
- Click Empty Recycle Bin.
- Confirm the deletion.
Once the Recycle Bin is emptied, Microsoft permanently removes those files from your OneDrive storage allocation.
If your goal is to completely clear your OneDrive account, this step is essential.
After completing this process, your available cloud storage space should increase significantly.
Step 4: Pause OneDrive Synchronization
Before closing OneDrive, it is often helpful to stop synchronization temporarily.
Pausing sync prevents OneDrive from making additional changes while you complete the remaining steps.
To pause syncing:
- Locate the OneDrive cloud icon near the clock on the taskbar.
- Click the icon once.
- Select the Settings or gear icon.
- Choose Pause Syncing.
- Select the duration you prefer.
The synchronization process will stop immediately.
This option is useful if you only want to temporarily disable OneDrive without completely disconnecting your account.
Many users use this feature when working with large files, troubleshooting sync issues, or reducing internet bandwidth usage.
Step 5: Close OneDrive on Your PC
If you want OneDrive to stop running completely, you can close the application directly.
Closing OneDrive stops all synchronization activities until the application is launched again.
Follow these steps:
- Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray.
- Select the gear icon.
- Choose Quit OneDrive.
- Confirm the action.
After confirmation, OneDrive will close immediately.
The cloud icon will disappear from the notification area, indicating that the application is no longer running.
Your locally stored files remain accessible through File Explorer even though synchronization has stopped.
If needed, you can reopen OneDrive later from the Start menu.
Step 6: Unlink Your PC from OneDrive
If you no longer want your computer connected to OneDrive, unlinking your device is the best option.
Unlinking removes the association between your PC and Microsoft cloud storage while preserving local files.
To unlink your PC:
- Click the OneDrive cloud icon.
- Open Settings.
- Select the Account tab.
- Click Unlink This PC.
- Confirm the action.
After unlinking, synchronization ends completely.
Your OneDrive files remain available online through your Microsoft account, but changes made on the PC will no longer sync automatically.
This is a popular option for users switching cloud storage providers or moving to local-only file management.
Step 7: Disable OneDrive from Starting Automatically
Even after closing OneDrive, Windows may launch it automatically during startup.
To prevent this:
- Open the OneDrive Settings window.
- Select the General tab.
- Locate the startup options.
- Uncheck Start OneDrive when I sign in to Windows.
- Save the changes.
You can also manage startup settings through Windows.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Open Task Manager.
- Select the Startup Apps tab.
- Locate Microsoft OneDrive.
- Click Disable.
This prevents OneDrive from launching every time your computer starts.
Many users notice slightly faster startup times after disabling unnecessary startup applications.
Remove OneDrive Completely (Optional)
If you never plan to use OneDrive again, you may choose to uninstall it.
To uninstall OneDrive:
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Click Installed Apps.
- Locate Microsoft OneDrive.
- Select Uninstall.
- Confirm the removal.
Windows will remove the application from your system.
If you decide to use OneDrive again later, you can reinstall it by downloading it from Microsoft.
Remember that uninstalling OneDrive does not delete files stored in your online account. Those files remain available through the web until you delete them.
Additional Tips
Before deleting large amounts of data, verify that important files have been backed up to another location.
Keep a copy of critical documents on an external drive or secondary cloud storage service.
If you share folders with other users, remember that deleting shared content may affect collaborators.
Regularly review your OneDrive storage usage to prevent unnecessary files from accumulating.
Use the OneDrive web interface to verify that deleted files have been permanently removed.
If storage space is your primary concern, consider deleting only large files rather than emptying the entire account.
After unlinking your PC, check File Explorer to ensure all required files remain accessible locally.
Restart your computer after disabling OneDrive startup settings to confirm the changes were applied successfully.
FAQs
Can I close OneDrive without deleting my files?
Yes. Closing OneDrive only stops synchronization. Your files remain stored locally and online unless you manually delete them.
Does unlinking my PC delete OneDrive files?
No. Unlinking disconnects your computer from OneDrive but does not remove files from your Microsoft account.
How do I free up OneDrive storage space?
Delete unwanted files from your OneDrive folder and then empty the OneDrive Recycle Bin online.
Can I reopen OneDrive after closing it?
Yes. Open the Start menu, search for OneDrive, and launch the application again.
Is it safe to uninstall OneDrive?
Yes. Uninstalling OneDrive is safe and does not affect Windows operation. Your online files remain stored in your Microsoft account.
Will deleting files from OneDrive also delete them from my PC?
If OneDrive is actively syncing, deleting files from the synchronized folder may remove them from both locations. Always create backups before deleting important data.
Why is OneDrive still running after I closed it?
Windows may automatically restart OneDrive during sign-in. Disable startup settings to prevent it from launching automatically.