Remove OneDrive from File Explorer Sidebar
To remove OneDrive from the File Explorer sidebar in Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can hide it through the registry, group policy, or by unlinking the account—the quickest method is a simple registry tweak. This article explains each approach in detail, including how to restore the icon if you change your mind, and answers common questions about the process.
Why OneDrive Appears in the Sidebar
OneDrive is integrated into Windows 10 and Windows 11 as a built-in cloud storage service. When you sign in with a Microsoft account, Windows automatically adds a OneDrive icon to the File Explorer navigation pane, giving you quick access to your synced files. Even if you don’t use OneDrive, the icon remains because the service is installed and active by default. The sidebar entry is not a separate shortcut—it’s tied to the OneDrive application itself, which runs in the background and syncs files from your user profile folder.
Method 1: Unlink OneDrive (Simplest)
If you want to remove the OneDrive icon without affecting other Microsoft services, unlinking your account is the easiest way. This stops the sync and removes the icon from the sidebar, but it does not uninstall the app.
- Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the taskbar). If you don’t see it, click the up arrow to show hidden icons.
- Select Settings (or Preferences in older versions).
- Go to the Account tab.
- Click Unlink this PC and confirm.
After unlinking, the OneDrive icon should disappear from the File Explorer sidebar immediately. Your files remain in the cloud and on your PC, but they will no longer sync. You can relink at any time by signing in again.
Method 2: Registry Tweak (Hide Icon Only)
If you want to keep OneDrive syncing but hide the sidebar icon, a small registry change works. This is a common solution for users who prefer a cleaner File Explorer. Follow these steps carefully:
- Press Win + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6} - In the right pane, double-click System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree.
- Change the value from
1to0. - Click OK and restart File Explorer (or reboot your PC).
The icon will be hidden, but OneDrive will continue to sync normally. To restore the icon, change the value back to 1.
Method 3: Group Policy (For Windows Pro/Enterprise)
Users on Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education can disable the OneDrive sidebar entry via Group Policy. This is a more permanent solution that also prevents users from re-enabling it without policy changes.
- Press Win + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive.
- Double-click Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage.
- Set it to Enabled and click OK.
This policy hides the OneDrive icon and disables the sync feature entirely. It’s ideal for organizations that want to block OneDrive usage. Note that this policy is not available on Windows Home editions.
What If the Icon Still Shows?
If you’ve tried the registry tweak or unlinked your account but the icon persists, try these steps:
- Restart File Explorer – Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find “Windows Explorer,� right-click, and select Restart.
- Check for multiple OneDrive entries – Some users have both a personal and a work/school OneDrive. You may need to unlink or hide both.
- Clear the OneDrive cache – Sometimes stale cache data keeps the icon visible. Unlink, restart, and relink to refresh.
- Re-run the registry tweak – Ensure you edited the correct CLSID key. The key {018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6} is the standard OneDrive CLSID, but there are occasional variations.
Removing OneDrive Completely
If you want to uninstall OneDrive entirely, you can do so through the standard Windows uninstall process. This removes the app, the sidebar icon, and all sync functionality. Note that this will not delete your files in the cloud, but it will stop syncing any local folders.
- Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Search for “Microsoft OneDrive�.
- Select it and click Uninstall.
After uninstalling, the OneDrive icon will be gone from File Explorer. If you ever reinstall OneDrive from the Microsoft Store or website, the icon will return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing the OneDrive icon delete my files?
No. Hiding the icon or unlinking your account does not delete any files. Your files remain in the cloud and on your PC, but they will no longer sync. Uninstalling OneDrive also keeps your files, but you’ll lose the automatic sync feature.
Can I hide OneDrive from the sidebar without uninstalling?
Yes. The registry tweak described above hides the icon while keeping OneDrive fully functional. This is the best option if you still use OneDrive but prefer a cleaner File Explorer.
Does the registry tweak work on Windows 11?
Yes, the same registry key works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The process is identical, though you may need to restart File Explorer to see the change.
Why does OneDrive keep coming back after I remove it?
OneDrive is a built-in Windows component, so it may reinstall or re-enable after major Windows updates. If you’ve uninstalled it, you can block it from reinstalling by using the Group Policy method (Pro/Enterprise) or by disabling the OneDrive setup task in Task Scheduler.
Is it safe to delete the OneDrive registry key?
No. You should only change the System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree value from 1 to 0. Deleting the entire registry key can cause errors and is not recommended.
Can I remove the OneDrive icon from the sidebar on a work computer?
If your computer is managed by an organization, Group Policy settings may prevent you from removing the icon. In that case, contact your IT administrator for assistance.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.