Recommended Free Tools
Unlinking or uninstalling OneDrive does not, by itself, delete files from your OneDrive cloud account. Unlinking disconnects that computer from sync; uninstalling removes the sync app. Files already downloaded generally remain in the local OneDrive folder, while online-only files may not be stored as complete files on the computer. Deleting a file inside a folder that is still syncing is different: that deletion can sync to OneDrive and remove its cloud copy.
Unlinking, uninstalling, and deleting are different actions
| Action | What it changes | What happens to files |
|---|---|---|
| Unlink the computer | Disconnects that PC or Mac from OneDrive sync. | It does not itself delete cloud files. Downloaded local files remain on the device; online-only items are not necessarily complete local files. |
| Uninstall the OneDrive app | Removes the desktop sync app and stops syncing on that computer. | Uninstalling does not itself delete the OneDrive cloud content or the local OneDrive folder and files. The account remains accessible online. |
| Delete a file in a synced folder | Removes the file from the folder. | The deletion can sync to OneDrive, removing the cloud copy too. Deleted items may be recoverable from the OneDrive recycle bin until permanently deleted. |
Microsoft says unlinking and relinking does not cause data loss; changes made while the computer is unlinked can sync after it is linked again. See Microsoft’s unlink and re-link instructions.
What stays on your computer after unlinking?
It depends on each file’s availability status. Items marked available on this device have been downloaded and remain in the local OneDrive folder after unlinking. Items marked available when online are accessible through OneDrive.com but may exist on the PC only as placeholders, not as complete files you can open without internet access. Microsoft explains this distinction in its instructions for removing an account from OneDrive.
Make important files available offline first
Before unlinking or uninstalling, open important files that you need without an internet connection and confirm they are downloaded, or make a separate backup. An online-only placeholder is not an offline copy. An external drive can be used for a separate backup, but it is not required to unlink or uninstall OneDrive; Microsoft’s external-drive guidance recommends ensuring files are backed up.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Choose the action that matches your goal
Stop syncing but keep using OneDrive online
Unlink the computer. This stops that device’s connection to sync without deleting cloud files. On Windows, select the OneDrive cloud icon, then Settings > Account > Unlink this PC. On Mac, select the OneDrive menu bar icon, then Preferences > Account > Unlink this Mac. The exact labels can vary with app version. Microsoft’s Windows and Mac unlink steps provide the current paths.
Remove the sync app
Uninstall OneDrive if you want the app off the computer. This stops syncing, but is not a way to erase cloud files. Microsoft’s stop-sync guidance distinguishes stopping sync from removing files and notes that the cloud account remains accessible. On some Windows versions, OneDrive may be integrated differently, so uninstall availability can depend on the version.
Rank #2
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Free disk space without removing cloud files
Use Files On-Demand to keep files in OneDrive while avoiding local storage use for items you do not need downloaded. Alternatively, use selective sync to leave chosen folders out of the computer’s synced set while keeping them available online. Microsoft describes these options in its guidance on deleting files and using Files On-Demand and choosing folders to sync.
Keep a local-only copy and remove the OneDrive copy
Move the file outside the OneDrive folder, then verify it is present in the new location and that you understand whether the cloud copy should be removed. If you delete it from a folder that is still syncing, the deletion can propagate to OneDrive. Moving it out of the synced folder can preserve a local copy while removing it from OneDrive; check the online account if retaining the cloud version matters.
Rank #3
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Erase files from OneDrive
Cloud deletion is a separate action. Microsoft advises unlinking first, then deleting through OneDrive.com if your aim is to permanently remove files from the account. Deleted items ordinarily go to the OneDrive recycle bin, where they may be restored before permanent deletion; emptying the bin removes that recovery route. Review shared folders and Personal Vault before deleting everything, and check ownership and sharing: deleting a shared item can make it unavailable to people it was shared with. See Microsoft’s guidance on permanently deleting an entire OneDrive and deleting files and folders.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #4
- Ultra fast data transfers: the external hard drive works with USB 3.0 thickened copper cable to provide super fast transfer speeds. Theoretical read speed is as high as 110MB/s-133MB/s and write speed is as high as 103MB/s.
- Ultra-thin and quiet: the motherboard adopts a noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- Compatibility: compatible with PS4/xbox one/Windows/Linux/Mac/Android,Stable and fast downloading on game console no difference from fast transmission when using on PC.
- Plug and Play: no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use. The hard drive chip is wrapped with aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data
- Package Contents: 1* portable hard drive, 1 *USB 3.0 cable, 1*USB to type C adapter，1 *user manual, shell packaging, three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services
A safe sequence before changing OneDrive
- Decide what you want: stop sync, remove the app, free local disk space, keep a local-only copy, or erase cloud content. These goals require different actions.
- Check offline availability: download important files you need without internet or make a separate backup. Do not rely on online-only placeholders as an offline copy.
- Choose the matching action: unlink to disconnect sync; uninstall to remove the app; use Files On-Demand or selective sync to reduce local storage use; move files outside the OneDrive folder if you need a local copy apart from the sync relationship.
- For cloud erasure, unlink first: delete the intended files through OneDrive.com and consider recycle-bin recovery, shared content, and Personal Vault before permanently deleting anything.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
