Question OneDrive uninstall impossible, it is not anywhere!

[Guasacaca]

I do not want to store one byte to any cloud and I have read several tutorials online about removing OneDrive. No matter where they tell me to look for the software to uninstall it, it is simply not there. Not in Programs, not in Settings, not in anywhere. Completely updated - 2023-06 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5027231). Did Microsoft integrate it deep in the system so that it cannot be removed?

 

[balloonshark]

I thought I removed it via add/remove programs. When I click start and search for "onedrive" all I get is an empty onedrive folder so as far as I know it's gone. I haven't applied this weeks Windows 11 update though.

 

[OlyAR15]

Settings -> Apps -> Installed Apps. Click on the 3 dots and select Uninstall.

 

[Guasacaca]

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Even Search in Settings, nothing. But OneDrive is still active in everything. This is very strange.

 

[mikeymikec]

I just tell OneDrive to not auto-start (Task Manager > Startup items tab). Otherwise I'd place a hefty bet that it'll get reinstalled whenever MS feels like it (most likely during feature updates).

Also I do this:

Info - Win10/11: disable "let's finish setting up your device"

I can't believe I've only just learnt this, Win10 has been out for like 7 years! I thought I'd share this info as I've mentioned this problem a few times before on this forum and no-one suggested this. If you don't sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account, on the default settings you get...

forums.anandtech.com

 

[Guasacaca]

Believe me, I have gone through everything, searched everywhere, this sucker is invisible... but still can't be killed!

 

[Guasacaca]

Third party uninstall utilities, went there too...

 

[mikeymikec]

So what symptoms are you seeing at present, is OneDrive still loading an icon in the tray at user login?

 

[Geven]

Have you tried disabling it from the Group Policy Editor? You can access this by typing "gpedit.msc" in the Run dialog (Windows key + R).

Under "Local Computer Policy", navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Windows Components" > "OneDrive". There, you'll find the "Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage" setting. Enable this setting, then restart your PC.

This should stop OneDrive from launching at startup and remove its processes from your system.

 

[Guasacaca]

1. Not in tray at all. However, if I try to save anything in any MS Office app it is always the troublesome default and it constantly asks me to log into my account and I absolutely refuse.
2. No gpedit.msc access at all in my Windows 11 Home. You either have to go Pro for that or you have to go through a

FOR %F IN ("%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientTools-Package~*.mum") DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:"%F")
FOR %F IN ("%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientExtensions-Package~*.mum") DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:"%F")

which incidentally does absolutely nothing on my system after three tries.

 

[OlyAR15]

Not in tray at all. However, if I try to save anything in any MS Office app it is always the troublesome default

That doesn't prove that Onedrive is installed. That is, unfortunately, just the default. So it sounds like you have uninstalled Onedrive.

Edit: Sounds like you haven't set up Word properly.

 

[Guasacaca]

Thank you to all, the issue has been resolved by forcing Office apps to save to computer. Hope to never see the word OneDrive again.