Unlink and re-link OneDrive - Microsoft Support (2024)

FAQs

Can you unlink and relink OneDrive? ›

Note: No data will be lost by unlinking and re-linking your OneDrive, your local folders are just disconnected from the cloud for a short while. Any changes made while you're unlinked will be synced once re-linking is complete.

Unlinking OneDrive from your computer , this action will not lose your data, your local folders are just disconnected from the cloud. But if your data is particularly important, it is worth backing it up from local OneDrive folder (C:\Users<user name>\OneDrive) before unlinking, just in case.

To remove a OneDrive account from your computer

Select the OneDrive Help and Settings icon then select Settings. Go to the Account tab. Select Unlink this PC.

When you stop syncing a folder, you disconnect the folder on your computer from the library on the server. You can always sync the library to your computer again. If you want to stop syncing a file or folder, read How to stop or cancel sync in OneDrive.

A: No, files stored in the cloud won't be deleted when you unlink OneDrive from your device. It's just a way to stop syncing with your device, so you can relink later or access the files on another device.

You won't lose files or data by unlinking OneDrive from your computer. You can always access your files by signing in to OneDrive.com. Select the OneDrive cloud in your notification area to show the OneDrive pop-up.

Uninstalling OneDrive does not delete your files by default. However, it removes the syncing capability and access to your files through the OneDrive app. It's crucial to back up important files before uninstalling OneDrive to avoid potential loss or inconvenience.

Go to the OneDrive cloud icon on the taskbar > Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup and turn OFF the syncing of your folders. That will stop folders from backing up to OneDrive.

Way 1: Pause OneDrive Sync

This allows you to stop the sync of files without permanently un-syncing them. To pause OneDrive sync, follow these steps: Step 1: Locate the OneDrive icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac). Step 2: Right-click the icon and select Pause syncing option.

How do I stop my computer from syncing with OneDrive? ›

One of the fastest ways to free up OneDrive space is to remove large files you don't need. Find these files by opening your OneDrive folder and sorting by size. Oust some old files. If you want to see which files you use least, sort your OneDrive folder by Date modified in ascending order.

Switch between accounts

Your OneDrive app in Windows 10 lets you sign in to your OneDrive for home and your OneDrive for work or school accounts and then switch between the accounts you've added. In the upper right, select My Accounts (represented by your profile picture), and then select the account you want to use.

Two or more OneDrive accounts cannot be merged or synced, according to Microsoft. However, it is possible to copy the files from one OneDrive account to another or share the documents with the other account.

For example, all links could default expire within 30 days, however a user could opt to open the sharing settings and extend the validity of that specific link for 45, 60, 90 etc. days - up to an Administrator-set maximum, or if this is not possible, with no maximum.