OneDrive (formally known as SkyDrive) on Windows 8 and especially Windows 8.1 is a nuisance and waste of space. Although some find OneDrive and it’s free 30g of space useful, it is technically a marketing ploy similar to free games on mobile devices that utilizes aggressive marketing strategies in order to create customers. That is why you will find it easy to remove OneDrive from Windows 8 and prior Windows editions and very difficult to remove OneDrive from Windows 8.1 without instructions, including the OneDrive folder in Windows explorer. You can not simply right click and remove the OneDrive folder from Windows explorer side panel or uninstall OneDrive from Windows 8.1 and the Microsoft website does not provide adequate information to completely remove or customize the storage item. Furthermore, OneDrive may be set to automatically upload content, including webcam images, as well as information about your location without your direct permission or knowledge.

This page contains instructions to remove OneDrive from Windows 8.1 and uninstall OneDrive from Windows 8 and previous versions. OneDrive removal instructions for Windows 8.1 are presented first on this webpage.

How to remove OneDrive from Windows 8.1

The OneDrive removal instructions are more difficult than previous versions and will require an administrative account to edit Windows registry.

1. Navigate to Windows Start Menu and select Run or press the Windows key and R simultaneously on your keyboard.

2. In the new window type regedit and press OK.

3. Locate HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT > CLSID > {8E74D236-7F35-4720-B138-1FED0B85EA75} > ShellFolder in Windows Registry Editor, right click ShellFolder and select Permissions.

4. On the Permissions for ShellFolder window click Advanced and on the Advanced Security Settings for ShellFolder click Change next to the “Owner” section.

5. Type your username in the “Enter the object name to select” section or find your correct username by clicking Advanced… > Find Now and press OK.

6. Back on the Advanced Security Settings window check Replace owner on subcontainers and objects and press OK.

7. Back on the Permissions for Shellfolder window select your username and check Allow for each box below. Press OK.

8. Back on Windows Registry Editor right click the Attributes key.

9. A new Edit DWORD Value window will appear. Change the Value data to 0 and press OK.

10. To completely remove OneDrive from Windows 8.1 you must restart your computer for settings to take affect.

How to uninstall OneDrive from Windows

1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel (on Windows 8, right click the bottom left corner to gain access to the Windows 8 Start Menu. Windows 8 may also select Programs and Features).

2. In Windows Control Panel, click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program in the Programs section (If you are using Windows 8 you will bypass the Control Panel).

3. Search for OneDrive in the list of installed programs. Once the program is located, double click the unwanted program or select it with your mouse and click the Uninstall button. *Follow any on-screen instructions that may prompt to remove this program.

4. Visit Windows Metro screen and locate the OneDrive (or SkyDrive) application. Right click the OneDrive tile if located and click uninstall on the bottom of the screen.

5. Restart your computer.